The Out West Challenge - The Rules

With the commencement of this contest just a week away I thought I'd go ahead and give you the rules that will govern it. That way if there is any questions about what's involved we can get them out of the way before the gun goes off.

-

- The Rules

-

1. Who: Any non-professional carver. By that I mean if your name appears in the back of Chip Chats under the Seminar section or has ever appeared there or in any other publication, internet site or otherwise as an instructor.....forget it! Same goes with belonging to any juried or restricted carvers organization. This contest is strictly for the non-professional who carves for the fun of it and wants to improve.

-

2. What: The subject to be carved is the character "Roy" Quigley from the movie "Quigley Down Under". He's a real interesting fella that's easily recognized. The carving is to be a bust under 15 inches including the base. In this case anything above the figures knees will fit that qualification. While non-wood attachments can be used the figure must be composed of at least 95 percent carved wood. Multiple pieces of wood may be used but once the figure is completed they should not be evident. The figure may be painted. left natural or a combination of the two. On completion the figure is to be mounted on a wooden base. This base can be carved, turned or may be a combination of the two. How the figure is presented and carved is completely up to the carver.

-

3. Where: Thats up to you as long as it's not setting next to or close by one of those who aren't eligible. This is the carvers project no one should seek help.

-

4. When: January 4, 2010. On that opening date All carvers participating are to forward to me via email at: ljdoughty@outwestgallery.com, their name and both their physical and email addresses. A brief note about your carving experience would also be appreciated. No entry applications will be accepted after that date. On January 5 I will publish the names of those participating. An additional mandatory requirement will also be announced on that date to ensure that nobody starts earlier than they're supposed to. The contest will run for 31 days and end on February 3, 2010. At the end of the 30th day, February 2, the carver will forward to me via email 5 photos showing all four sides of the piece along with an oblique frontal view which will be posted on my Blog. At the end of the 31st day the contest ends and no more submissions will be accepted. There will be only one prize..."The Out West Challenge" trophy for 2010.

-

In judging the carvings I'll be looking for three things: Originality, quality of worksmanship and overall presentation. Once the judging is complete I'll post the results on the Blog.

-

Should further explanation of the rules is necessary please drop me a note in the comment section below. Hopefully, if things run smoothly we'll do the same thing the following year with a different character.....sort of a "Super Bowl" of woodcarving.

-

So, you have a week to read the rules, sharpen your tools, do your research and plan out your project. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Have fun & good luck!