COOKSBURG, Pa. (EYT) — The chips were down at Cook Forest State Park on Saturday for the annual Chainsaw Carver’s Round-Up. Carvers picked up logs at the site and began to turn the timber into works of art. About a dozen carvers from across western Pennsylvania competed for awards (and for bragging rights). The artists also had many of their creations on sale.
Article and photos by Randy Bartley
When carving first emerged as an art form several decades ago, the designs were more primitive, but that is not the case today. Carvings range from patriotic designs featuring eagles and flags to mythical dragons and fantasy figures. Woodland themes were abundant, with bears, squirrels, raccoons, and even one out-of-place alligator mixed in.
The fish and fowl were well represented. One man was seen trying to fit a four-foot-long wooden bass into the back seat of his car beside his children. One carver crafted several fish in a vertical position supporting a tabletop.
Photo by Randy Bartley / EYT Media
Some of the carvers used charcoal to burnish the finished creation to maintain a natural look. Crafters have added paint to many of their creations. Red, white, and blue are always a popular combination, but fish require aquatic blues and greens, and woodland gnomes can come in any hue the artist can envision. In addition to the larger items, some carvers made tabletop models of backyard birds and even Halloween-themed decorations.
Photo by Randy Bartley / EYT Media
Additional non-carving vendors sold furs, baskets, and snack items.
The Sawmill Center for the Arts was open with a wide variety of local handmade items, including art, photographs, and, of course, carved wooden creations.
The next event at Cook Forest State Park will be the Gingerbread Tour on Nov. 6–8. For additional information, see GingerbreadTour.com.
Photos by Randy Bartley:
