Younger's Woodery carves it up for Make-A-Wish
For the past five years, Bob Younger of Younger's Woodery in Eagle has helped the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin by doing what he loves to do. Each year, he and other master chainsaw artists sculpt wood, which is then auctioned off to raise money for the charity.
This year's Carveathon is Sept. 18-19.
From hobby to career
Younger used to work as a nurse. He had always enjoyed woodworking, however, and often did hand carvings for fun. Soon he decided to open his own woodworking business.
One day a neighbor brought in a chainsaw carving and showed it to Younger.
"I thought, I have to try this," recalled Younger. "I carved the ugliest bear you've ever seen, but I was hooked." Eventually he got better, and people started buying his carvings. Soon he was doing so well that it took over his woodworking business; for the past 16 years, he's been doing what he loves and running his own chainsaw artistry business, Younger's Woodery.
Younger's partner is Lee Wegner, who showed up at Younger's one day and asked him to take a look at some of the carvings he was doing.
"He talked me into picking up a chainsaw, and eight years later, here we are," said Wegner, who often works alongside Younger.
The two have an interesting dynamic that started with a friendship.
"We've been friends a long time," said Younger. "Lee has the talent to carve, and we just started carving together. We book ourselves when we do shows as a carving team. We're two separate artists, but we work as one."
Wegner explained that working with Younger presents great opportunities for growth as an artist.
He said he knows he can ask for Younger's opinion and always get an honest answer, whether or not they always agree with one another.
"You have to check your ego at the door," he said. "Everyone's perspective is different. This helps us create the best art we can because we have two artists looking at something."
Younger agreed. "One thing we've learned is we're comfortable enough to say, 'I like your piece but there's something wrong.' There's a mutual respect, and we're trying to help one another along," he said.
Younger and Wegner can carve it all.
"We see something, a picture, and then we just start carving," said Younger. "Our imagination or our customers' imagination is the limit."
This year, they've picked up a sponsorship by Dolmar, and business keeps them busy. To see some of their work, visit www.youngerswoodery.com.
Giving back
Wegner said that doing carvings for charity is their way of giving back to the community - plus, it's fun.
The Make-A-Wish Carveathon is not only a way to help others, but it's also a way to get together with other artists for socializing and camaraderie.
"We call up other chainsaw artists, and it's kind of a get-together for us," said Younger.
Each year their following has grown, and they typically have eight to 12 carvers from all over the state.
"We take time to enjoy what we're carving, and we're doing something nice and having fun at the same time," said Younger.
Viewers who watch the carvers will see everything from furniture to benches to large carvings and even some little things.
"You never know what to expect, and that's the fun part," said Younger. "I always tell people to come down, even if you don't buy anything. You'll see really interesting art, it's free to the public and the auctioneer is a lot of fun."
The artists will sculpt wood at American Power Equipment Inc., 29110 Evergreen Drive, Waterford, from 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, through 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Everyone is invited to come and bid at the art auction, which begins at 3 p.m. Saturday. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin.
Some highlights of the carving weekend include scrollsaw demonstrations by Tom Heald, a band sawmill demonstration by Stumpy's Woodworking on Saturday and live music Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. by 4 Lane Highway and from Speakeasy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Food and raffles will also be featured.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Last year, 289 Wisconsin children received their one special wish. For more information about the foundation or to learn how you can make a difference, call (800) 236-WISH or visit wisconsin.wish.org. To find out more about the carveathon, call (262) 617-5603 or (262) 534-4785.
If you go
What: Carveathon to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin
When: 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, through 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Where: American Power Equipment Inc., 29110 Evergreen Drive, Waterford
Highlights: Art auction, 3 p.m. Saturday; scrollsaw demonstrations, band sawmill demonstration, live music, food and raffles
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