Carvers from across Ontario gathered at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre last weekend for Wonders of Wood, where intricate creations and heartfelt stories revealed how carving continues to inspire creativity, connection and healing across generations.
Hosted by the Ontario Wood Carver’s Association, the weekend event drew artists and visitors from as far as Durham and Peterborough. Organizers say the annual show, now in its second year at the community centre, highlights not just craftsmanship but the deep personal connections forged through carving.
The hall was lined with hundreds of pieces ranging from lifelike wildlife figures to intricate miniatures.
“Wood carving gives people a chance to express artistic talent, to learn a skill, to use their hands, to get off the screen and actually create something of their own,” said Barry Casement, vice president of the Niagara Wood Carvers Association.
He said the association has been part of the region’s arts scene for decades, teaching children, creating public art for hospitals and regional buildings and keeping traditional techniques alive. But membership has declined since the pandemic.
“Our biggest problem is getting members, getting the public interested,” said Casement. “People are too busy working to afford to live. They haven’t got the spare time we had when one job was enough.”
Despite challenges, the spirit of the craft has endured. This year’s show saw record enthusiasm from both participants and visitors.
Among the winners was adult member Carolina Tapia, whose carving of an Indigenous figure earned a grand prize, and teen carver Caitlyn Deakin, who took home several awards in the youth category.
Former Ontario Wood Carvers president Murray Lincoln, 81, travelled from Peterborough to attend and share his experiences from his decades in the craft.
“I’ve been carving since I was seven years old with my grandpa,” said Lincoln. “Whenever I needed therapy in life, I carved. It’s a lifelong joy.”
Lincoln, owner of Misty Hollow Carving Shop, has taught hundreds of students over the years and said the art form can profoundly change lives.
His display table featured one of his most meaningful pieces — a wooden greyhound carved years ago by a man recovering from a massive stroke, who Lincoln once helped. The man’s family later gave the carving to Lincoln after his passing.
“He thought he was worthless. I built him a tool so he could carve, and his first piece was this greyhound dog. That carving later won a ribbon at the (Canadian National Exhibition). It gave him back his purpose,” said Lincoln.
For some, carving has helped ease trauma and pain. Lincoln said his “comfort birds,” small carvings designed to fit in the palm of a hand, have brought peace to seniors, children with autism and veterans with post-traumatic stress.
John Molinaro, the current president of the Ontario Wood Carvers Association, said the growing interest in hands-on creativity is vital in the digital age.
“This is a hand-done hobby, and we need more people to do hand work,” said Molinaro. “There’s a lot of computer stuff and a lot of work with your thumbs. We can use all fingers.”
Organizers hope the success of this year’s event inspires new carvers to join local clubs and that the momentum could one day lead to a national carving association.
Those interested in learning to carve can contact the Ontario Wood Carvers Association through its website and connect with a nearby club offering classes and weekly sessions.
