Meet the Carvers!
Dates: October 11-13, 2024
Location: McCormick Park, 300 N Putnam Street, Williamston MI 48895
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 Kane
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 Kane
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/