WAYNE PAL - Wayne, NJ
October 19th - 20th
39ᵗʰ North Jersey Show and Competition
By Sol Goldenberg, Newfoundland, NJ
The North Jersey Woodcarvers’ 39th annual Woodcarving, Arts and Crafts Show and Sale was held November 8 and 9, 2025, at the Wanaque First Aid Squad in Wanaque, New Jersey. Exhibitors from neighboring states added to the variety, and the club’s move to a new venue helped draw a steady stream of visitors, including many first-timers impressed by the quality and range of work on display.
Door prizes were awarded every hour throughout the weekend, with winners choosing from small carvings, paintings, and crafts donated by participants. The drawings added to the fun and reflected the generous spirit that has long been a hallmark of the show.
Best of Show honors went to Wagdy Youssef for “Medusa,” with Ed Nevins taking Second Best of Show for an architectural cornice and Mike Perry receiving Third Place for his relief carving, “The Train.” Marion LeConte took Intermediate honors for her whimsical bookworm carving, while Rich Goldstein earned Novice Best of Class for a bark house. Robyn Richi won both Best Watercolor Painting and Best Drawing.
Dennis and Susan Thornton earned Best Table honors, while newcomer Volodymyr Kovolyshyn received both the People’s Choice and Chairman’s Choice awards for a Baroque mirror frame that captivated exhibitors and visitors alike and sparked conversation throughout the weekend. Additional ribbon winners were Advanced: Pam French-Stern, Cynthia Griffenkranz, Ron Bulwin, Janina Hartmann, and Victor Castello; Intermediate: Howard Rosen, Ted Pomarico, Justina Wang, Jim Swanson, Georgette Moesch, Elmer Hooper, Michael Boudjouk, Sue Weigel, and Rich Molinari; and Novice: Jody Goldenberg, Natalie Talmo, and Chris Cordts.
The North Jersey Woodcarvers are already looking ahead to their 40th annual show, scheduled for November 7 and 8, 2026, at the Wanaque First Aid Squad Building, 5 Melrose Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey. If this year’s enthusiasm is any indication, the milestone event should be one to remember.
