Wood Design &
Celebrity Pie Auction
2025 Theme Announced!
Carving the Future:
MVMAF Woodworks of HeART
Challenge Overview:
In this challenge, artists are invited to showcase their best skills through the medium of wood, demonstrating their mastery in carving, sculpting, woodworking, or any other technique that highlights their expertise.
Each piece will be auctioned as part of a fundraiser to benefit MVMAF and secure the future of the festival. The project must not only reflect the artist's individuality and technical prowess, but artists are encouraged to incorporate the MVMAF brand in a creative and seamless manner.
This challenge aims to inspire creativity, elevate wood craftsmanship, and raise essential funds to support the ongoing legacy of MVMAF.
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Key Objectives:​
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Showcase the artist’s top skills (whether intricate carving, precise joinery, innovative design, or advanced finishing).
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Artists are encouraged to incorporate the MVMAF logo into the design, ensuring it enhances the overall aesthetic and flows with the piece.
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Experiment with unique textures, finishes, or forms to emphasize the versatility and beauty of wood as a medium.
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Create one-of-a-kind pieces that will inspire others while also contributing to the future of the festival through their auction.
Guidelines:​
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Brand Integration: Artists are being challenged to incorporate the MVMAF brand into their overall project. This can be achieved by integrating the MVMAF logo right into the design or by donating a larger portion back to the festival.
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Material Selection: Use any type of wood, whether reclaimed, exotic, or common, and feel free to mix with other materials as long as wood is the primary medium.
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Innovation: While traditional techniques are encouraged, creative reinterpretations and modern twists on classic forms will be celebrated.
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Craftsmanship: The piece should be a showcase of refined skills, attention to detail, and craftsmanship. Think precision, creativity, and beauty.
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Auction Consideration: Since each piece will be auctioned as a fundraiser for MVMAF, artists are encouraged to consider the marketability and appeal of their work. It should be something that will not only reflect the artist's mastery but also engage potential buyers. Unless otherwise agreed upon, the artist will be paid 50% of what their project/s earns at auction.
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Presentation: Artists should present their work with a detailed description of the techniques, materials, and the inspiration behind the piece, along with any story or connection to the MVMAF festival.
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End Goal: At the end of the challenge, each project will be auctioned off to raise funds for MVMAF, with proceeds going toward securing the future of the festival. The works will be judged on craftsmanship, creativity, the integration of the MVMAF brand, and the ability to engage potential buyers. All pieces will be showcased in exhibitions and online platforms, with the MVMAF brand proudly recognized as part of the process. This initiative not only highlights the artist's skill but also ensures the sustainability and growth of the festival for years to come.
Deadlines:
Projects will need turned in the week of July 1st. A turn in form will be sent out VIA email to each artist.
Material Pickup:
MVMAF Site Coordinator (mvmafsitelogistics@gmail.com) will contact each artist to schedule material pickup from the warehouse.
Auction:
All projects will be sold at live auction Saturday, August 9th at 3:30pm.





Thank you for being part of our 4th annual Wood Design Auction with the inaugural Kiwanis Celebrity Pie Auction!
​The combined Kiwanis Celebrity Pie Auction and Wood Design Challenge raised around $13,000 for the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival, Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon and the wood artisans.
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Wood designers included 13 artisans with 25 pieces!
Brian Carlisle (3 pieces)
Adam Estes (3 pieces)
Terry Frazier (4 pieces)
Ryan Gallwitz
Gregg Gebhardt
Carrie Haver (2 pieces)
Fox Haver
Mark Haver (2 pieces)
Matt Haver
Matteo Lybarger
David McGough
Jesse Ryals (3 pieces)
Dudley Thomas
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Pie donations:
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• Matt Starr, Mayor of Mount Vernon and Joann Starr – Apple
• Bruce White, President/CEO, Knox Community Hospital and Kathy White, Key Club liaison – Blueberry
• Chris Hiner, Regional President, Park National Bank – Peach Bourbon Cheesecake
• Jeff Scott, Executive Director, Knox County Foundation and daughter Annaliese Scott – Cherry
• Dr. Carson Castleman, President, Mount Vernon Nazarene University – Chocolate Cream
• Judge Jay Nixon, Knox County Probate and Juvenile Court – Peach
• William Seder, Jr., Supt., Mount Vernon City Schools – Peanut Butter
• Dr. John Berry, President, Central Ohio Technical College – Strawberry
• Cindy McDowell, Senior Closing Officer, ACS Title – Dutch Apple with Caramel
• Tina Cockrell, Public Health Educ. & Nursing Div. Director, Knox Public Health – Pumpkin
• Noreen Boardman, Vice President, Heartland Promotional Products – Strawberry Rhubarb
* Halle Krajenski, United Way of Knox County - Butterscotch
• Alicia Misarti, Kenyon College - Apple
• Mike Copley, Chief Operations Officer, CES Credit Union - Oreo Cream
• MVHS Key Club - Buckeye candy in a pie dish
Tyler McCann of Round Hill Dairy also donated 2 quarts of ice cream!
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