Relief carving, caricature carving, and carving in the round are just a few of more than 60 categories of wood carving that will be on display and for sale at the 26th annual Rio Grande Wood Carver’s Show to be held Jan. 20-21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cielo Banquet Hall in San Juan.

Jeff Slabaugh, show representative, said in all there will be 200 entries for judging.

Asked to describe a few of the styles, Slabaugh said caricature carving was popular. That is where a character is given a sort of cartoon appearance during caring. Another popular style is relief carving where a picture or scene is carved out of wood.

Carving in the round involves placing the wood on pedestal that turns during carving. Wood is shaved off the block instead of out of the block in relief carving. Usually the carver is creating a human or animal form.

Woodburning is another popular form of woodcarving.

Slabaugh said there are three levels of wood carvers. Anyone who has been carving for two or less years is considered to be a novice. Anyone with over two years of experience who has not won a best of show category is considered an intermediate woodcarver. Professionals are those who have previously won best of show or who are woodcarving instructors.

The show will have door prizes given away every half hour. The prizes will be something carved by someone in the Rio Grande Wood Carvers. On Saturday, a special grand prize selected by the members of the club for this special honor will be given away.  It too, will be something made by members of the club.

Slabaugh also said the annual Rally on the Rio seminars will be held the following week at El Cielo Banquet Hall for those who want to learn more about the art and sign for wood carving lessons.

Many of those participating will have their woodcarvings for sale.

The event annually draws around 2,000 people. There is a $2 donation requested at the door. Cielo Banquet Hall is located at 2202 East FM 495, San Juan.