2025 Chainsaw Artists & Carvings
Each year, incredibly talented carvers are chosen to participate in the annual Whittle the Wood competition. They come from all over the country and all walks of life. They all have one thing in common...they love the smell of sawdust and bar oil...and they are some of the most talented chainsaw carvers in the country! The bring a vision and the talent with them to entertain and amaze the crowds with their skill for several days as their cutting, grinding, sanding & finishing come to life. This year they will be joining us for our TWENTY-FIFTH Anniversary & we hope you will be too!
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Chad Stratton and his amazing wife Jenny operate Woodshed Antics
Chad has 25+ years of experience as an artist and creator.
In 2025 Chad will make his 18th appearance competing in Craig Colorado’s “Whittle the Wood” making him one of the longest-running competitors in the event.
Stop by say Hi, share a handshake or a hug and get a photo with one of the best in the business! We love Craig Colorado! \
The Strattons
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Matt’s wood carving journey started with a knife his grandfather gave to
him around the third grade. He continued to work with trees and wood.
Matt was an arborist from many years before he “repurposed” his
chainsaws for a more artistic pursuit. Now an award winning artist, Matt O' Chainsaw, keeps his head in the air and his feet on the ground.
Letting his imagination play with one of his favorite tools in his favorite medium. Inspired by a love of the outdoors, the trees he used to climb and sense of adventure, Matt tells stories of hope, wonder and transformation. Matt finds wisdom in the process of taking boring ‘ol log that may have been cast away and turning it into art.
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Just me and my man glitter making our mark on the world for the last 10 years!!!! I carve here, I carve there, I carve everywhere, and a lot more nonsense!!!!!
Be sure to tune in for the antics in my 3rd year at WTW.
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My name is Anna Mrzyglod, I am originally from Poland and have been living in Germany for 15 years now. I did my master's degree in fine arts with a degree in wood sculpture in Poland.
Large-scale sculptures appeal to me, but I don't have the experience to push the time to make them. I tend to focus longer on the process and often the creation of a sculpture is a celebration for me. In my studio, I have all the time in the world to let my creativity run free. From a technical point of view, I try to refine my object and work on it until I am satisfied with the result, which is why not only the end result but also the entire creation process plays an important role for me. From choosing the right size of wood and the right shape to the symbolism and meaning of the tree species.
A symposium of this kind is a new experience for me and it will be my first time taking part in such an event. So the challenge of taking on the competition is immense, but I'm looking forward to it so I can immerse myself in the work. The excitement of competing against people who regularly celebrate these types of competitions is great. I'm definitely looking forward to meeting you.
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Jim Valentine from Sandy Utah. A twenty-year veteran of chainsaw carving. Loves to carve a wide variety of things from wildlife to caricatures. Willie Nelson, SpongeBob Square pants, and many others. This will be his 10th year in Craig Colorado for Whittle the Wood Rendezvous and always looks forward to this event every year! Let the chips fly!!!!
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Hi! I'm Joe Srholez from Sweetwater in Eagle County, Colorado. I did my first chainsaw carving in 2001 and have been a full-time professional carver since 2017. I travel around the country doing competition and exhibition carving. I've placed at WTW a few times and I'm looking forward to returning for the 25th Annual event! Thanks
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I have been carving fulltime for going on 8 years on my farm in Iowa. I enjoy my freedom with my family that carving allows me to have and be more involved with my kids. I love carving the out of the box ideas and strive to carve a better piece than the last. I absolutely enjoy getting together with other carvers and bounce ideas off each other and enjoy catching up with friends from past events.
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I am a Colorado native from the Rifle area. My wife and I raised our three children in Grand Junction and we now live out in the country near DeBeque. I began chainsaw carving just for fun in 2018 and it quickly grew into a fruitful side job. I currently work full time in the oil and gas industry then carve on-site, commissions, inventory and more in my spare time. I am also an avid dirt bike and snowmobile enthusiast.
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Hey everyone! I'm Derek Richardson, and I’m proud to share my journey with you all!
Born and raised in the charming Brandenburg, KY, I discovered my passion for chainsaw carving in 2014, inspired by my incredible father-in-law. Watching him transform wood into stunning works of art sparked something within me, and I knew I had to give it a shot! Since I took the plunge, my journey has been filled with thrilling competitions and unforgettable moments. I’m thrilled to have achieved some amazing milestones, including: 1st Place at the 2024 Master of the Chainsaw in Schnecksville,PA - 2nd Place at the 2024 Scandinavia Corn Roast in Wisconsin - 1st Place at the 2023 Aurora Sawing Logs in Aurora, KY- 2nd Place at the 2022 Hoosier Hardwood Festival in Lebanon, IN Art has always been my passion, and it feels incredible to pour my creativity into every piece I carve! Thank you for being part of my journey.
Stay tuned for more adventures and artwork!
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