Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking & Art Show

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Saturday, April 1st, 2023
Sat - 10am to 5pm Sun - 10am - 4pm

The show features a carving and woodworking competition, an art expo and sale, and professional wildlife art sales. It is organized by the Mid-Island Woodworkers’ Guild and Oceanside Wood Carvers in partnership with the DeCosmos Fine Arts Society. There will be a painting workshop for young artists on Saturday at 1 PM (age 6 – 12), a live auction of carvings and other items on Saturday at 2:30 PM, and silent auctions, demonstrations, talks and sales throughout the weekend.

BACKGROUND

In the early 1990’s, the Mid-Island Wildlife Watch Society spearheaded the first Brant Wildlife Festival in Parksville-Qualicum Beach. For the next 16 years, the festival was organized by the society with other partners. One of the first events was the Western Canada Wood Carving Competition organized by Ducks Unlimited Canada, which moved from BC Place in Vancouver. The Vancouver Island Woodcarvers Club then took a lead role and the Brant Wildlife Carving Competition became a popular weekend event during the festival. When the Mid-Island Wildlife Watch was dissolved in 2006, the Society transferred its assets to The Nature Trust of British Columbia. For the past 15 years, The Nature Trust has coordinated the festival with the help of the City of Parksville, community groups, local event sponsors and volunteers.

In 2011, the show moved to the Victoria area and expanded to include sales by professional wildlife artists and photographers. After a year at the University of Victoria, the show found a home in Sidney for 4 years. In 2016, the show moved back “home” to Parksville – Qualicum Beach where it is now organized by the Oceanside Wood Carvers and Mid-Island Woodworkers’ Guild.

The show continues to grow as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. It is now the Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking & Art Show with art, carving and woodworking events. Of note in 2023 is the challenge carving of a single wooden feather. The “Art Expo” hosted by the DeCosmos Fine Arts Society features an art show and sale with local artists. Back for its third year is the Youth Painting Workshop for children aged 6 – 12 at 1 pm Saturday, April 1.

Carvers and woodworkers compete in five skill levels (Youth, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert) and 70 categories for ribbons, medals, cash and merchandise awards. There are many special awards, such as the best endangered species, best antique-style decoy and best traditional hunting decoy—judged in a tank to ensure that entries float correctly and resemble a real duck.

There is a live auction for miniature “Cocktail” carvings and other items at 2:30 pm on Saturday, April 1, plus a raffle and ongoing silent auctions. There will be talks and demonstrations throughout the weekend. For collectors and art lovers—carvings, woodworking and art will be for sale.