Chainsaw Art in the Park a huge success!
Chainsaw Art in the Park, held Oct. 11-13, 2024, brought new life to one of the most unique aspects of McCormick Park, the wooden tree sculptures. The first set of carvings, created in 2009 when several trees decimated by emerald ash borer were transformed into works of art, had deteriorated and reached their lifespan.
A family-friendly celebration of wood art, Chainsaw Art in the Park featured 10 expert wood carvers from the Midwest who worked for three days to create new sculptures. It would not have been possible without the efforts and support of 30 businesses and organizations that provided sponsorship funds and nearly 50 volunteers who worked the weekend of the event. City of Williamston’s public works staff assisted with site prep, set up and clean up.
In addition to live carving throughout the weekend, there were many special events. Little Lumberjacks offered gaga ball, tug of war, face painting, a wood craft, paint a car and more. Live music featured Jessey Adams, Intellectual Jive, and the Black Barn Band. There were plank sales, wood artists and food trucks. A quick-carve demonstration yielded the opportunity to purchase one’s own wood carving by live auction. A special presentation by veteran chainsaw artist Tim Klock offered tricks of the trade. The beverage tent provided favorite options from Williamston’s own Old Nation Brewing Company and Burgdorf’s Winery. With proper care, the new carvings of pine wood should last for many years to come.
Major sponsors include Cardinal Fabricating, City of Williamston, Friends of Williamston Parks, Glen Dor Neighborhood, Kurt and Barbara Guter, Independent Bank of Williamston, Kate’s Music Studio, Kiwanis Club of Williamston, Knights of Columbus Council #7545 Fr. FB McCormick – St. Mary Williamston, LaFollette Custom Homes, Sowing Growth, Studio Shop, Williamsburg Neighborhood, Williamston Area Beautification Fund, Williamston Pub & Grill, Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club, Williamston Rotary and Zynda’s. Additional support was provided by American Legion Post 296, Burgdorf’s Winery, DTE Energy, Estate Planning & Preservation, Edward Jones - Carrie Thorburn, Camp Pawapi, Graff Chevrolet, John Deere - Hutson, Niko’s Taverna, Williamston Inn, Williamston Wellness, and Willowicke Inn.
Congratulations to the Chainsaw Art in the Park Award Winners!
Now that Spring has arrived, stop by McCormick Park to see their amazing work!
Best of Show and People’s Choice goes to the awesome Emil Milan Szkipala!
The Kids Choice award was a 3 way tie!!! Devin Dracht, Myles Nasby and Patrick Barrigar all are sharing this title!
Meet the Carvers!
Alonzo Montoya
Alonzo is from Newaygo, Michigan and has been carving for over 20 years! He enjoys participating in carving competitions around the United States and has carvings placed around the country as a result. You can find him on Instagram, view more of his work at https://www.montoyachainsawcarving.com
Tiffany Cane
I picked up a chainsaw for the first time in 2003. I carved as a hobby for a bit, then took a hiatus to raise 3 kids. Then around 2015 I picked up a saw again. My husband & I bought a little fixer-upper shop near Brooklyn, MI and opened for business in 2019. We sell chainsaw carvings, laser engraved items, metal art & much more.
Find us on Facebook Wood-n-Creations chainsaw carving Jackson,Michigan and www.wood-n-creations.net
Ron Cane
I started chainsaw carving in 2002 as a hobby. I've been doing it full time since 2020 after layoffs with my full time job. My wife and I own and operate Wood-n-Creations chainsaw carving, a gift shop in Brooklyn Michigan. We both carve and offer Laser engraving, CNC work, CNC plasma cutting, vinyl cutting , sublimation and 3D printing.
Find us on Facebook Wood-n-Creations chainsaw carving Jackson,Michigan and www.wood-n-creations.net
Myles Nasby
I have been carving for 19 years. I’m from Ridgeville, Indiana where I live with my wife Ashley and our three kids. I’m excited to have been invited to Williamston to carve with some great carvers and make some art in the park! See y’all soon!
You can find Myles online at Nasby Chainsaw Art
Dr. Emil Szkipala
In 2009, Emil carved a beautiful sculpture at McCormick Park depicting the old mill, flowing water, and a heron and it's still there today!
Emil of Chainsaw Men of Michigan is a native Romanian where he studied wood carving and fine art. He moved to the US in 1991 and brought with him a unique style and a piece of the rich Romanian heritage in wood carving. He recently took 1st place at the Reedsports Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship with the carving shown here!
His education and specialty is antique restoration including wood carved alters, fireplace mantels, custom frames, wood finishing, lathe turning, and carpentry and he often carves with his talented son, Stefan. Check out their catalogue of works at https://www.facebook.com/chainsawmenofmichigan.
Devon Dracht
Devon hails from Marion, MI and has this to say: "I've been carving for 3 years as a second full time job. I have the most supportive wife, three amazing children, and together we are 5D Carvings (5 Drachts). I enjoy bringing smiles to people when they see my carvings and love carving realistic wildlife. I learn something new every day I carve." He's a great guy and does great work - just check out his hammerhead shark at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068752119503
Mike Swagart
Meet Mike Swagart of SWAG chainsaw ART! Mike is from our neighbor town of Dansville and has been carving since 2015, creating sculptures, woodworking, and onsite custom pieces throughout our great state of Michigan. You can check out his work at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063202600031
Patrick Barrigar
Patrick Barrigar of Bear-Grrr Custom Chainsaw Carvings has been making chips for just over 2 years now. He was influenced by his dad to carve and inspired by his buddies that did. He started traveling for competitions and events last summer and has no plans to stop. He has a cabin up in Mio and travels around the state and country with his wife, Rikki. You can check out his work at https://www.facebook.com/beargrrrcustomcuts
Tim Klock
Tim is a returning carver to Williamston, having carved the award-winning music-themed sculpture next to the bandshell at the chainsaw event in 2009. We’re so happy to have him back! And you won’t want to miss his entertaining and educational Carving 101 presentation at the bandshell Friday evening, Oct 11.
Tim began carving in 2003 after nearly destroying his ankle in a timber framing accident. During the long recovery he started carving with a chainsaw to keep from going crazy. When he's not traveling and competing he can be found at his studio in Altoona, PA doing commission work and occasionally giving lessons to help other artists achieve their dreams and goals. You can check out his work at https://www.facebook.com/timothy.klock.9.
Jason Alger
Jason is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former bodyguard turned professional chainsaw carver from Hudsonville, Michigan. He has nearly 6 years of experience carving and has traveled across the United States competing in carving competitions. He also carves at special events like "The Big E" Eastern States EXPO in West Springfield, Massachusetts and at the Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota. You can check out his work at https://www.facebook.com/.../Artistic.../100083105300382/