Wood carving is a skill and a hobby that takes time, patience, concentration and discipline - all things that seem to be in short supply these days.

But the skill has been a part of human evolution through the ages, first to fashion tools and utensils and then to make images of whatever passionate, dramatic or humorous scene, real or imagined, that men and women could create.

"It gives you a chance to use your imagination," said Ray Diggins, 82, of Santa Maria, a member of the Santa Maria Valley Carvers club. "You have to be a little weird to be a wood carver."

Using his own particular brand of sly, sometimes irreverent, sense of humor, Diggins carves and creates whimsical, fantastical characters that seem to pulse with life and mischief.

Diggins, with his collection of "Something Different" carvings, was one of

40 wood carvers participating Saturday in the Santa Maria Valley Carvers annual show, which continues from 10 a.m. to

3 p.m. today at the Veterans Memorial Community Center at 313 W. Tunnell St.

Today's attendees will also have the chance to cast their votes for the people's choice winner out of the blue ribbon winners in other California Carvers Guild State Championship Competitions.

The show is open to the public with the suggested donation of $2 for adults and children older than 12.

Many types and styles of carvings were displayed Saturday: Caricatures, detailed wildlife, artistic sculptures, three-dimensional relief carvings, chip-carved boxes, scroll work, chain-carving pieces and jewelry were available at the show.

"There are a lot of one-of-a-kind opportunities to that gift for the one who has everything," said attendee and wood carver Marge Rolls of San Luis Obispo.

Each piece reflected the days, months and even years of work that went into the exquisite details. "You get the satisfaction of the end product when you finally finish. Maybe in someone else's eyes it's not the best work, but it's mine," said Ron Kautz of Arroyo Grande.

The "Artistry in Wood" event includes a free wood burning class for children, and for the adults there is a raffle, a whittling contest at 2 p.m. and carving demonstrations.

Raffle participants could win a mallard hunting decoy duck carved by the event's chairman, Gary Gresham of Buellton.

Anyone interested in wood carving, starter shapes, raw wood and tools can get more information by attending the event or calling Gresham at 451-7324.