A one-of-a-kind woodcarving exhibit is turning heads in downtown Parkersburg this April. Hosted in the lobby of WesBanco Bank at 415 Market Street, the Geppetto Woodcarvers club has unveiled a handcrafted Patriotic Quilt—each square carved by a different club member, sharing personal inspiration behind their chosen design.
This special exhibit is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays until 5 p.m., offering visitors a close-up view of the craftsmanship and heart behind each wooden square.
Founded in 1993, the Geppetto Woodcarvers club is made up of 35 passionate members from the Mid-Ohio Valley and nearby regions in West Virginia and Ohio. With members ranging in age from 8 to 90, the group thrives on a tradition of learning and teaching. Most members are self-taught or have learned through hands-on sessions and mentoring within the club.
The group meets regularly for monthly meetings and weekly carving sessions, using these opportunities to guide newer members through project-based learning. Their work has been showcased at community events such as Carving On The Porch at Woodcraft, the Parkersburg Art Center, and the Fall Event in New Matamoras.
Over the years, several Geppetto Woodcarvers have also earned the honor of being juried into the prestigious Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley, West Virginia.
Beyond art, the club is deeply committed to giving back. Through the sale of hand-carved Christmas ornaments, members have supported the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. So far, they’ve raised over $7,500 in the past decade—helping provide holiday gifts for 35 local children.
The talented members who contributed to the quilt exhibit include: Jennifer Carpenter, Lois Dye, Sharon Dye, Fred Esker, Larry Hershman, Roy Holliday, Marcia Holschuh, Jeff Lang, Ron Leisure, Dale Lott, Larry Mills, Emerson Oler, Teresa Oler, Cyndi Pyles, Gus Tessum, Patrick Wentzel, Fred Williams, and Jerry Yancey.
Each square in the Patriotic Quilt tells a story, not only of national pride but of personal reflection and shared craftsmanship. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a lover of local culture, or simply curious about the stories carved in wood, this exhibit is a must-see.
Don’t miss this unique blend of heritage, artistry, and community spirit on display throughout April at WesBanco Bank in Parkersburg.
