GRAVETTE — America's majestic bird, the bald eagle, landed in Old Town Park in Gravette last Friday, joining a mother bear and her cub which arrived earlier in the week to become permanent fixtures in the park.
The carvings were the creations of Scott Winford, well-known chainsaw artist, who completed the sculptures in time for viewing during Gravette Day festivities on Saturday.
The carvings were created on stumps of two dead oak trees which had to be removed.
The bear and cub, about five feet tall, are located in the lower area of the park which, for many years, was the site of the annual Gravette Day celebration.
The eagle rests proudly atop a tree stump, about 15 feet in the air. It is complimented by the profile of a soaring eagle on a lower portion of the stump. The carving is about midway up on the hillside near the historic steps that were reconstructed several years ago. A nearby street lamp illuminates the carving at night.
Winford has developed a statewide reputation for his carvings, a hobby that began in 1987, which turned into his profession. His work can be viewed online under his business name, Arkansas Chainsaw Sculptures. He exhibits his work annually at the Spanker Creek craft fairs in Benton County. He can also be reached at 479-414-8175.
Winford treated the sculptures with a preservative. He said regular applications will preserve the delicate carvings. Some of his works have survived the elements for more than 25 years.
The project was the idea of Gravette mayor Kurt Maddox, who is shown on the left, with Winford, at the completed eagle sculpture.
General News on 08/12/2015