The 18th annual New Brunswick Wood Carving Competition and Sale returns to Saint Andrews by-the-Sea from August 8–10, 2025, promising a weekend of craftsmanship, creativity, and community spirit.
Hosted at Sir James Dunn Academy, the event will feature over 60 carvers from across the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario, and New England, with more than 200 carvings in competition and many more available for sale.
Gord Willett, a longtime carver and board member of the New Brunswick Woodcarving Association, said this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
“We’ve grown the show year-over-year,” Willett said. “It’s probably the second-largest competition in Canada when it comes to purchase awards, which really speaks to the calibre of the work you’ll see.”
Purchase awards are a key part of the show’s draw for high-end competitors.
“It’s when an individual or business commissions a specific type of carving,” Willett explained. “This year, one of the top awards is $1,500 for the best eagle carving. The carver who wins gets the prize, and the commissioner gets to take home the carving.”
Carvers of all levels — from beginners to master-level artisans — are encouraged to compete. Entries include wildlife sculptures, relief carvings, and even live chainsaw carving demonstrations throughout the weekend.
One of the unique aspects of this year’s event is its puffin-themed challenge, which is expected to attract a flurry of creative interpretations of the beloved Atlantic seabird.
“There’s definitely money on the table for that one too,” Willett said. “We know there are already a lot of puffins being carved.”
Beyond the competition, the weekend includes workshops and interactive demonstrations for all ages. Willett is especially proud of the youth seminar happening Sunday morning, where 10 young participants will carve mushrooms using rotary tools under the guidance of world-class carvers like John Breyer from New York.
“They get to keep what they make, and for many of them, this is the first hands-on introduction to carving.”
Also featured is a wood-burning workshop led by a visiting artist from Vermont, as well as the return of Art Wolfe, a renowned carver and judge, who will be bringing a large-scale moose head sculpture he’s spent months crafting.
“It’s museum-quality,” Willett said. “Even just coming to see that piece is worth the trip.”
The show is non-profit and heavily supported by local volunteers and businesses. A silent auction, supported by local donors, helps keep the event going strong. Willett said the town of Saint Andrews continues to be a perfect host.
“The support we get from the community is incredible. Every shop welcomes our posters, and the local foot traffic ensures the show always draws a crowd.”
According to Willett, it’s not just locals who attend.
“We’ve had carvers from as far away as British Columbia and Alabama, and visitors from all over North America. The show is known for its friendly atmosphere, quality judging, and unique location.”
And it’s not just a show — it’s a sale.
“Many people don’t realize that most of the carvings are for sale,” Willett said. “If you see a piece you love, just find someone in a green shirt — that’s one of the organizers — and we’ll help you connect with the artist.”
Despite the digital age, Willett said woodcarving still resonates.
“It’s about getting away from screens and making something with your hands,” he said. “It’s creative, it’s calming, and it gives you something you can pass down for generations.”
Whether you’re an art lover, a collector, or someone looking to try carving for the first time, Willett said the show has something for everyone.
“It’s a world-class event in a world-class town — and we’re thrilled to welcome everyone back again this year.”
