Without a single tree in sight the Dayton Expo Center will be filled with wood from the Artistry In Wood Show. The top carvers and wood workers from 20 states will be present to show and sell their creations.
In its 25th year the Dayton show is regarded as the best and the biggest in the country. There is an average of 5,000 visitors a year and those numbers are expected to go up this year. On display and available for purchase will be a wide variety of fine art, collectibles, caricatures, decoys, furniture, home decorator items and many unique gifts for Christmas.
The show is hosted by the Dayton Carvers Guild, which Sandy Czajka became a member of after attending the show five years ago. She thought it looked like fun and now she is hooked on carving and will have her own items on display.
“A whole new world was opened up for me just because I went to the show one day. It made a huge impact on my life, but I am not saying that will happen to everyone,” Czajka said.
One benefit Czajika has enjoyed is being part of the Dayton Carvers Guild, a meeting of men and women who share a love of working with wood. Members range from new carvers to experienced veterans who exchange tips and ideas with each other in a good natured fun environment.
Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month, except for December, at 7 p.m. in the United Rehabilitation Service Building, located at 4710 Old Troy Pike in Huber Heights.
The Carvers Guild is a non-profit organization and the proceeds from the Artistry In Wood Show currently benefit the United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton. Since its inception the annual show has raised over $95,000 for different charities.
“We wanted to give something back to the community and we know that the donations go towards equipment rather than to pay the administration,” Barb Belcher of the Guild said.
The show also includes many demonstrations such as bark carving and tool sharpening, as well as competitions presided over by world class judges.
Even for those who aren’t involved in the hobby of wood carving, to witness all the perfectly detailed creations is guaranteed to be an enjoyable experience.
“I’d allow a minimum of four hours to go through and see everything and that’s if you don’t stop and talk to people,” Belcher said.
There are more types of carving on display than most people even know exists.
Located at the Expo Center of the Dayton International Airport on 3900 McCauley Drive, the Artistry In Wood Show takes place on Saturday, November 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for a one day adult pass and $10 for two days. The show is free for Scouts in uniform and children under 12 accompanied by an adult.
