Nashville, TN (June 2, 2009)… Randal Martin, whose work had been sold exclusively in Gatlinburg at Cliff Dwellers Gallery for over three years recently entered and won big at the annual Ward’s World woodcarving competition. The first songbird he ever carved won Best of Show and First Place at the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville in 2001. The following year he was selected to carve a bluebird ornament for the nation’s White House Christmas tree for an ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ seasonal theme. Late last year, he won 2nd Best Of Show, seven first place, and five second place ribbons at the Woodcarving Showcase at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Of the Top 25 carvings of the entire show, six of his entries were chosen and held a prominent place in the honors display. His talent has even been recognized internationally with commissions from around the globe. An intricate hummingbird carving was purchased in 2006 and presented to the vice-president of Nippon Telephone and Telegraph Company (NTT), the single largest corporation in Japan.
With such strong regional success, Martin decided to take the leap and see how he would fare at the World event this past April in Ocean City, MD, and was thunderstruck by his winnings. “As a first timer, I entered eight birds in the Novice Class, and came home with 13 ribbons.” says Martin. “Six first, and a second and third place in Class, a second and third in the Miniature Division, a First in the Full size Division, and third Best of Show in the entire Class. I am extremely honored to receive such high praise while competing among the best of the best from around the globe.”
Martin has developed a strong following of collectors that frequent the Cliff Dwellers Gallery of Gatlinburg in anticipation of his most recent creations. Those who currently own one or more of his carvings should be pleased to know they are in possession of the work of a World Champion carver, and those who don’t can pick from dozens of his carvings currently on display. The Cliff Dwellers Gallery is located at 668 Glades Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. For more information, you can also visit www.cliffdwellersgallery.com, or call 1-865-436-6921. To view Martin’s carvings, visit http://www.wood-feathers.com/
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PRESS RELEASE SPECIFIC IMAGES:
Artist Randal Martin with his assortment of ribbons and carvings
from the Ward’s World Woodcarving Competition
Third Best of Show in Class
Ward World Championship Logo
Randal Martin
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