Anderson earns five ribbons at State Fair

Among the many locals whose submissions earned ribbons at the State Fair this year was one Clarion native who’s recently returned after living for several years in Illinois: Roger Anderson, who’s been doing woodworking since 1979, particularly in wildlife and bird carvings. Five of his projects earned ribbons in different wood projects competition categories.

Anderson’s State Fair honors include first place in the signs, canes and gunstocks category for a walking stick carved with a lion’s head; second place in decoys – shore birds, for a spotted sandpiper painted carving; first place in wild fowl – birds of prey, for a full-sized bust of an eagle head, formed by wood burning; first place in wild fowl – miniature birds, with a small eagle in flight carving; and an honorable mention in wild fowl – song birds, with a painted carving of a golden-cheeked warbler.

Since starting carving, Anderson has frequently donated pieces to be auctioned off for fundraisers, but has never done commissions so he can simply carve what he wants. He also does scrimshaw (carving on bone and antler) and carved knife handles.

For the full story, see the August 31 edition of the Monitor.