The 47th Congress will again be held in Maquoketa, IA
The 2nd week of June - 6/9/13 through 6/16/13
General Information
Affiliated Wood Carvers, Limited, (AWC) is a non-profit corporation which publicly promotes the fine art of woodcarving through the sponsorship of the International Woodcarvers Congress.
To the best of our knowledge, the International Woodcarvers Congress is the longest running, competitively judged, woodcarving art show in the United States. It is truly the most prestigious show of its kind. Artists from all over the United States, Canada and overseas have competed for cash and awards at the “Congress”.
The show and competition are just a part of the festivities held during “Congress Week”. “Congress Week” is held the second full week of June at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, 1212 E Quarry Street, Maquoketa, IA 52060. Other activities during the week include a series of carving seminars, the Awards Banquet, the AWC Membership Meeting and the Judges’ Critique Sessions.
Membership to the AWC and participation in the International Woodcarvers Congress is open to anyone interested in the art of woodcarving. Annual membership includes informational newsletters, reduced admission to the show during Congress Week upon showing your membership card, access to the seminars and competition, and a copy of the annual pictorial Show Report. We encourage you to join AWC and promote woodcarving through participation in the Congress. Membership runs from January 1st to December 31st and $15 for a member living in the United States and $20 (US Funds) for all other countries. You may access a Membership Application for now if you desire.
Competition
The International Woodcarvers Congress offers over 85 separate categories in the judged competition. Cash awards and prizes have exceeded $20,000 in the past thanks to our very generous sponsors.
The competition is judged each year by a team of judges who are considered quite advanced in their particular woodcarving field. The trio of judges is rotated yearly to keep the competition unpredictable and pure. One of the primary duties of the judges during Congress Week is to hold two Judges’ Critique Sessions. These sessions provide insight on what the judges look for during the competition. These Judges’ Critiques have proven to be one the most popular events held during Congress Week.
The competition is open to all levels of carvers. Membership in AWC is necessary to compete unless you are 18 years old or younger.
Education
Each year, AWC hosts a variety of interesting and informative seminars taught by some of the foremost carvers in the world. Classes range from one-day to five-day seminars. Topics include woodcarving, clay sculpting, painting and many more. There are also classes offered for the non-carving participant.
Impromptu gatherings of carvers during the evening hours offer many opportunities to pick up different carving techniques and perhaps a trade secret or two.
Specific seminar topics and costs are announced in the “Congress Newsletter” sent to all dues paying members. They are also found elsewhere on this website.
Fellowship
The Annual Awards Banquet is held on Saturday evening of Congress Week and offers a prime opportunity to meet new friends and renew old friendships.
A number of competition awards are presented to the proud recipients during the banquet. There are drawings for door prizes donated by our generous sponsors.
There is no way to describe the activities of the evening other than . . . we know how to have fun! If you want to be a part of the woodcarving experience you’ll never forget, plan on being in Maquoketa during all or part of the second full week in June. Come, join us for “Congress Week”!