15th Annual Pearl River Woodcarvers' Show and Championships by Patty Fultz The morning of March 1, 2008, dawned with the typical beauty of a southern spring for the 15th Annual Pearl River Woodcarvers' Show and Championships in Jackson, Mississippi. The weather was so pleasant that power carving (dremel tools) was offered as a class outside on the porch by Rev. James Buie the afternoon before the show and as a demonstration the entire day of the show. Most of the eleven students, who took one of the three carving classes offered the day before, returned on Saturday to the Agriculture and Forestry Museum to view the 82 carvings displayed for judging. This year, in addition to demonstrations by the Magnolia Woodturners, there was a table specifically to display turned pieces; and there were a few turnings added to the carvings to be judged. Other displays included scrimshaw (Walter Mabry), bird carvings (Joey Horn), caricatures (Mike Mayberry), carvings by George Berry, cypress knees (James Chambers), miscellaneous items (Central Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers), tupelo gum carving wood (McGruder Haslip), power carving (James Buie), carvings by Bob May, gourds by Mike and Michelle Thompson, and scroll saw carving by Larry Lewis. Allan Laird of Delhi, Louisiana displayed his large collection of wonderful relief carvings which each corresponded to a story he was willing to tell. "I like the camaraderie of the show; it's like a family reunion," said caricature carver Mike Mayberry. He added, "Besides, you get feedback on your work which is sometimes as good as a check!" Appreciation for the friendly atmosphere and people are comments Pearl River Woodcarvers frequently hear during the shows. Since one of the objectives listed in the Guild's By-laws is "to stimulate young people's interest in the art," the show is always free to scouts. On feedback forms, the most common answer to "what did you like best about the show?" is some variation of "everything" or "the variety." Most people also seem to appreciate the turning demonstrations and carving being done on works in progress. Date conflicts with other carving shows in contiguous states and rising gas prices hindered the Guild from engaging a vendor to come to sell carving supplies. Mountain Woodcarvers in Estess Park, Colorado had come in more recent past years and they were very helpful in working out a deal for the Guild to sell supplies which they shipped to Mississippi. Renata Hunt, wife of Guild President Joe Hunt, graciously agreed to put her background in marketing to work by setting up a "store" which also included used supplies which Guild members desired to sell. Banners donated by sign maker and Guild member, Billy Phillips, attracted many individuals to that area of the room with the result of very successful sales. Guild member Joey Horn did exceptional work which earned him first place in the Open Class, Best of Show and People's Choice award for his prothonotary warblers. He also took the Purchase Awards for his bluebird, bald eagle, and shaking hands. Danny Fultz won first place in the Intermediate Class for his archer carved from buckeye, with canary wood bow and arrows and a walnut quiver. Steve Johnson's magnificent cowboy relief in mahogany took first place in the Novice Class. Though one of the goals of having the show is to promote among the public an understanding and appreciation of the art of woodcarving in all its forms, it is also hoped that it will assist persons desiring to learn and improve their skills in woodcarving. One of the most significant events of the show this year was the very first show entry of long-time carver and founding member, James Buie! Another very touching occurrence was the attendance by a disabled veteran in an effort to meet the man (Danny Fultz) who carved the eagle head cane with which he had been presented at his D.A.V. chapter. With tears in his eyes he said, "I normally use a wheelchair and have assigned my cane a place of honor in a display in my home. But I have come today using my cane to express how much I appreciate the effort that went into carving it and how privileged I feel to have received it." Many hours of planning and hard work were dedicated to this annual show, but all agreed we achieved our goals and had a lot of fun at the same time!