​Awards

Exhibit at the 2023 Woodcarver's Show to be entered into the annual awards competition. Thanks to our generous sponsors for supporting our awards competition.

Congratulations to the 2023 Woodcarver's Show Awards Winners.

• Sauder Award - Best of Show.  This award is presented to the best overall piece in the show as selected by the judges and representatives of the Sauder Family. The winner receives a ribbon, a piece of art glass designed by award-winning Village glassblower, Mark Matthews, and a cash prize.  The winner’s name is also engraved on the publicly-displayed “Sauder Award” plaque along with other past recipients of this fine award.  To help the judges better focus on qualifying pieces for the “Best of Show” award, we will be providing exhibitors with special tags to use to designate the item(s) that the judges should consider for the best of show awards. Best of Show winners (including 2^nd and 3^rd places) are not eligible for Awards of Excellence. 

   

• 2^nd & 3^rd Place Best of Show Awards.  These awards are presented for the best pieces in the show as runners-up to the Sauder Award.  The 2^nd and 3^rd place winners will be recognized with a ribbon, a limited edition stoneware plate designed by Sauder Village potter, Mark Nafziger, and a cash prize.
  
  
• Awards of Excellence. Four awards are presented for the complete display of carvings, based on the overall expertise and creativity of the carver, the overall appearance of the display, and the ability to communicate with people about their work. Each winner receives a ribbon, a limited edition stoneware plate designed by Village potter, Mark Nafziger, and a cash prize. 
  
  
• Specialty Award. This is awarded to the best piece based on the specialty of our guest carver.  The winner receives a ribbon and cash prize, and is eligible for other awards. 
  
  
• Merit Awards.  Three Merit Awards will be awarded, one for a woodcarver and one for a woodworker and a woodturner for excellence in artistry and technique.

   

  Other Awards:

• Carver’s Award.  The Carver’s Award will recognize the exhibitors’ favorite carver.  Votes will be collected throughout Friday, and the award will be presented during the Awards Banquet. The winner receives a ribbon.
  
  
• People’s Choice Award.  This award will recognize the public’s favorite artist.  Votes will be collected throughout Friday, and the award will be presented during the Awards Banquet.  The winner receives a ribbon.