News - Local News

POSTED: Saturday, Jul. 11, 2009

Chainsaws buzz for woodcarving event at Deming Logging Show

The chainsaws were roaring in Deming Saturday, July 11, but no trees were falling.

Rather, the saws were used to carve wooden sculptures of bears, eagles and even a naked woman at the Hills to Mills Woodworking & Craft Show at the Deming Logging Show grounds.

The event, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, attracted 24 chainsaw carvers from up and down the West Coast, as well as Australia and Italy, organizer Frank Cain Jr. said.

The carvers began hacking away at the chunks of wood Saturday morning, and by afternoon they had sculptures ready for sale at the event's auction.

When the event started 10 years ago, only two or three local carvers were there to display their talents, Cain said.

The event's profile has grown considerably since, he said, and even attracted an Italian artist who works mainly with stone sculptures, Cain said.

Cain said the artist was interested in carving wood sculptures with a chainsaw, so he joined the event in Deming and sculpted the nude woman.

"It's a pretty unique little deal," Cain said. "There's nothing else like it in Whatcom County. I see a lot of the same faces back in the crowd year after year."

Bellingham residents Steve and Pam Pederson returned to the event for their fifth time this year to peruse the sculpture available at the auction.

Steve Pederson said his wife had her eye on three or four sculptures that would expand the collection they've purchased in past years.

"We've got two pretty big bear sculptures in our front yard that need some company," Pam Pederson said.

While he doesn't carve himself, Steve Pederson said he enjoys watching others do it and appreciates the talent it requires.

"I appreciate these carvers' efforts and talents," Steve Pederson said. "I like things that are unique. We like to come out and benefit the show and run into people we haven't seen in awhile."

The show continues at 10 a.m. Sunday.