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2026 Pro Carvers

Adrian Bois.jpg

Argentina

Adrian Bois is an award-winning chainsaw woodcarver with international carving experience, known for transforming raw logs into expressive large-scale sculptures. Carving professionally since 2015, Adrian has competed and demonstrated throughout Argentina, Germany, and the United States. A returning favorite at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship since 2016, Adrian combines technical precision with artistic vision to create powerful and memorable pieces. Selected Achievements 1st Place — Mission Valley Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous, USA (2025) 1st Place — Team Work Main Piece, Eibau, Germany (2024) 1st Place — Highest Quick Carve, Reedsport, Oregon (2019) Top 6 — Quick Carve, Sedro-Woolley, Washington (2023) 3rd Place — CarveWars, Aurora, Colorado (2019)

Anthony Robinson.jpg

Hoquiam, WA

Anthony Robinson is a passionate chainsaw artist whose carving journey began in 2012 with a spark of inspiration that quickly became a lifelong obsession. For Anthony, chainsaw artistry is more than a craft — it is a calling rooted in creativity, refinement, and the endless pursuit of bringing new ideas to life. Known for expressive sculptures and bold artistic vision, Anthony describes carving as “the most natural beautiful high, to create beauty with a tool of destruction.” His work reflects both technical skill and emotional intensity, resulting in pieces that leave a lasting impression on viewers and collectors alike. A returning competitor since 2021, Anthony considers the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship one of the premier professional carving events in the West and looks forward each year to sharpening both his senses and his saws alongside fellow artists in Reedsport.

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Bandon, OR

Brian Vorwaller has been an artist since childhood and has spent nearly two decades transforming that passion into chainsaw sculpture. Specializing in Northwest wildlife carvings, Brian is known for creating detailed, expressive pieces ranging from traditional woodland scenes to large-scale custom commissions — including a memorable 9-foot upside-down octopus carving. Based on the Southern Oregon Coast in Bandon, Brian continues to build a reputation for craftsmanship, creativity, and award-winning work throughout the Pacific Northwest carving community. After an exciting year of successful shows and competitions, Brian returns to the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship aiming for another strong finish while reconnecting with fellow artists and spectators in Reedsport.

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Bonney Lake, WA

Colby Herrington began chainsaw carving at just 12 years old after learning the craft from his father, and by age 14 he was already competing professionally. Through years of competition and dedication to woodworking, Colby has developed a carving style known for blending technical precision with strong artistic expression. Now carving and woodworking full time, Colby specializes in highly detailed, high-quality sculptures and has earned recognition in numerous carving competitions throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. He currently competes in the Pro Division and returns to ODCCC as the reigning Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship winner, having earned First Place at the 2025 championship.

Derek Richardson.jpg

Brandenburg, KY 

Kentucky-born and raised, Derek Richardson began chainsaw carving as a hobby in 2015 alongside his father-in-law. At the time, Derek was balancing a full life—raising three young children, working full-time on third shift, and volunteering with two local fire departments. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a true passion for the artform. In 2023, Derek made the decision to pursue carving full time while also working as a substitute school bus driver. Over the past eight years, he has competed throughout the East Coast carving circuit and is excited for the opportunity to compete alongside West Coast professionals at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship. Derek specializes in firefighter-themed artwork and enjoys pushing himself creatively through competition. He considers carving competitions one of his favorite parts of the chainsaw carving world, embracing both the challenge and the camaraderie that come with the sport.

Gregory Hood.jpg

Kokomo, IN 

Gregory Hood of Hoods Wood has been carving for five years and competing for four of those years, quickly building a name for himself within the chainsaw carving community through dedication, hard work, and a passion for continual growth in the craft. Traveling the country alongside his wife Trish and their two dogs, Gregory has embraced the carving lifestyle while continuing to develop his artistic skills through competition and mentorship. He has trained with respected carvers Chris Foltz and Ryan Villiers, bringing their influence and techniques into the pieces he creates today. Gregory earned a strong 9th place finish at the 2025 Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship and is excited for the opportunity to return to Reedsport and compete once again among some of the top professional carvers in the country. In addition to competition success, Gregory has also been featured in Heartland Magazine and was a featured carver at Hooskow 2025.

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Petaluma, CA

Jake Hudson is a professional chainsaw carver from Petaluma, California whose artistic journey began in steel sculpture while working as a metal fabricator in the furniture industry. Over time, his passion for combining wood and steel led him to pick up a chainsaw — and from that moment on, carving became an obsession he couldn’t walk away from. For the past four years, Jake has focused heavily on commission-based carving work, creating primarily figurative sculptures along with occasional functional pieces such as carved log benches and chairs. Known for his dedication to craftsmanship and his drive to continually improve, Jake describes chainsaw art as something he plans to pursue for the rest of his life. Excited to expand his horizons and connect with fellow artists, Jake is looking forward to competing at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship and challenging himself alongside some of the best carvers in the industry.

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Cumberland, IA

Jeff Coss of Bear Grove Chainsaw Carving is a professional chainsaw artist known for creating dynamic wildlife and Sasquatch sculptures carved from raw timber. With more than 10 years of professional carving experience, Jeff has completed custom carvings and live event pieces across the country, building a reputation for large-scale work filled with realism, personality, and storytelling. Jeff specializes in carving wildlife, monsters, and occasional human figures, blending precision, power, and creativity into every sculpture he creates. His work reflects a passion for bringing raw wood to life while capturing movement, character, and imagination in each piece. Although Jeff has competed throughout much of the country, the West Coast carving scene remains one of the few areas he has yet to experience firsthand. He considers the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship one of the pinnacles of the carving world and is excited for the opportunity to compete in Reedsport alongside many of the industry’s top professional artists.

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Nick Bielby

Port Angeles, WA

Nick Bielby is a returning professional carver from Port Angeles, Washington and a familiar face at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship. Having participated in the event for many years, Nick considers Reedsport one of his favorite places to carve and looks forward each year to reconnecting with the carving community and spectators who make ODCCC such a special event. Known for his experience in live carving competitions and his consistent presence in the Pacific Northwest carving scene, Nick brings both skill and personality to the Pro Division each year. As a longtime participant, he continues to be part of the tradition and camaraderie that have helped shape the championship over the years.

Ryan Anderson.jpg

Coos Bay, OR 

Ryan Anderson of Sculptures In Motion LLC is a multi-medium sculptor based in Coos Bay, Oregon with more than two decades of carving experience. A longtime competitor at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship, Ryan has been participating in the event since he was just 17 years old and looks forward to continuing that tradition for many years to come. Known for his versatility and creativity, Ryan is an award-winning competitor not only in wood carving, but also in pumpkins, ice, and sand sculpture. His work has been featured coast to coast, including projects for NHL and NFL teams as well as appearances on Food Network’s Outrageous Pumpkins, where he competed on both Season 2 and the Season 5 All Stars edition. Ryan’s carving style draws inspiration from storytelling, wildlife, and imaginative creature features. With more than 200 competitions under his belt, countless hours of study, and years of live demonstrations, he has built a strong reputation for precision, flow, and creativity under pressure. Whether creating large-scale sculptures or more intimate pieces, Ryan approaches every project with a focus on connection, movement, and craftsmanship while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions of chainsaw carving.

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Canada

Tyler Welfing of CarveWel Creations is a professional chainsaw carver from Vernon, British Columbia who transitioned into carving after spending nearly 20 years working in the cabinetry industry. Over the past five years, Tyler has dedicated himself to growing as an artist and competitor, quickly building an impressive résumé within the Canadian carving scene. Tyler has competed in numerous competitions across Canada, including Chetwynd, Hope, and the Western Canadian Championship, earning several podium finishes along with both People’s Choice and Carver’s Choice awards. His competition highlights include a 6th place finish at Chetwynd, 2nd place Amateur and 1st place Semi-Pro at Hope, and a 2nd place finish at the Western Canadian Championship. Driven by a strong passion for the artform and a desire to continue challenging himself creatively, Tyler is now looking to expand beyond the Canadian carving circuit and compete internationally. Encouraged by fellow carver Steve Backus to experience the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship firsthand, Tyler is excited for the opportunity to carve alongside some of the best artists in the industry while continuing to evolve as a professional carver.

Alex Pricob.jpg

Renton, WA

Alex Pricob is a passionate full-time chainsaw woodcarver who has been bringing wood to life since 2014. Originally from Moldova and now based in Washington State, Alex has become known for his highly detailed carvings that combine technical craftsmanship with warmth and personality. With more than 15 years of carving experience, Alex creates custom pieces that reflect both artistic vision and the joy his work brings to others. His sculptures are inspired by nature, wildlife, and the meaningful connections people form with handcrafted art. A longtime supporter of the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship, Alex returns each year with enthusiasm for both the competition and the carving community that makes ODCCC so special.

Bill Baker.jpg

Naperville, IL 

Bill Baker is the founder of Top Notch Chainsaw Carving and has been professionally carving for more than 27 years. Specializing in both custom free-standing sculptures and on-site stump carvings, Bill is known for transforming dead or damaged trees into detailed works of art that can be enjoyed for generations. Carving full-time for the past eight years, Bill approaches every project with the motto: “Creativity and Pride.” His passion for chainsaw carving began at age 19 after helping his uncle preserve the beauty of a garden by carving a tree stump rather than removing it entirely. That experience sparked a lifelong dedication to combining artistic creativity with woodworking craftsmanship. Bill has competed at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship in both 2022 and 2024, earning a Top 10 finish in the Pro Division in 2024. He especially values the camaraderie and opportunity to connect with fellow carvers from across the United States and abroad.

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Bloomburg, TX

Chad Kilpatrick has been chainsaw carving for eight years and has quickly built a reputation for creativity, dedication, and a strong passion for the carving community. A returning competitor to the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship, Chad values the camaraderie shared between artists and the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow alongside fellow carvers from across the country. Based in Bloomburg, Texas, Chad has competed in carving events throughout Alaska, Texas, and Washington, continually refining his craft and expanding his artistic experience with every show. He describes chainsaw carving simply and honestly: “I love this life we live.” We are excited to welcome Chad back to Rainbow Plaza for another year of incredible carving and competition at ODCCC 2026.Known for bold, imaginative carvings and dynamic designs, Andy brings a strong artistic eye and sculptural creativity to every competition. Returning to the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship after competing in the Semi-Pro Division in 2025, Andy joins the Pro Division for 2026 and looks forward to another exciting summer of carving events and competitions.

Constantin Morari.jpg

Sacramento, CA 

Constantin Morari is a full-time professional chainsaw carver whose work is deeply inspired by both art and nature. Originally from Moldova, Constantin attended art school as a young student and developed a lifelong passion for creativity that eventually found its perfect expression through chainsaw carving. Inspired early on by fellow carver Alex Pricob, Constantin has now been carving for more than 10 years and has become known for his detailed wildlife pieces, dimensional carvings, and painted wood artwork. His sculptures often capture the movement, emotion, and everyday beauty of animals and the natural world around them. A returning favorite at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship, 2026 marks Constantin’s tenth year participating in the event. He values the opportunity to carve alongside talented artists from across the country while continuing to grow and refine his craft through competition and community.

Derrick Stanton.jpg

Sheridan, OR

Derrick Stanton of Timber Town Carvings has been professionally chainsaw carving full time for approximately 15 years, turning a lifelong passion into a thriving family business based in Sheridan, Oregon. What began nearly two decades ago as a career in log furniture building eventually evolved into chainsaw carving — a craft Derrick says he quickly fell in love with. Known for his whimsical and imaginative carving style, Derrick enjoys creating pieces that showcase creativity, personality, and craftsmanship. Over the years, he has competed in dozens of carving competitions, including events in Alaska where he earned multiple first-place finishes. At the 2025 Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship, Derrick secured an impressive 4th place finish among a highly talented field of professional carvers. Carving has become a true family endeavor for Derrick, with his four sons carving alongside him as part of the Timber Town Carvings team. He looks forward to returning to ODCCC 2026 to once again compete beside some of the industry’s top artists while continuing to push himself creatively and competitively.

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Olympia, WA

Ian Rakestraw has been passionately pursuing chainsaw carving since 2019, transforming what began as simple curiosity into a full-time creative career. Specializing in expressive wildlife scenes, Ian is known for bringing animals to life through movement, personality, and a deep appreciation for the raw spirit of the outdoors. Each of Ian’s carvings is shaped “by hand and heart,” blending detailed craftsmanship with creativity and storytelling. From powerful predators to quiet woodland moments, his work reflects both a respect for nature and a constant drive to grow and evolve within the craft. A returning competitor at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship, Ian has attended ODCCC five times, crediting the competition with helping him grow in skill, speed, and creativity as a carver. He enjoys the challenge of live carving and values the opportunity to connect with other talented artists while continuing to push the limits of what can be created with a chainsaw.

Jason Alger.jpg

Jenison, MI

Jason Alger of Artistic Timber is a full-time chainsaw carver who, alongside his wife, travels throughout the United States participating in festivals, fairs, and carving competitions. After stepping away from full-time carving for 11 years, Jason returned to the craft about five years ago and has fully embraced life on the road and in the carving community once again. Known for his dedication to the artform and competitive spirit, Jason has spent recent years traveling extensively across the country while continuing to sharpen his skills through live carving events and competitions. After selling their home in Michigan last summer, Jason and his wife are now preparing for an exciting new chapter as they relocate to Oregon this spring. Jason previously competed at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship and looks forward to returning to Reedsport for another year of competition, creativity, and camaraderie among fellow carvers. He especially appreciated the welcoming atmosphere and organization of the event and is excited for another opportunity to compete on the West Coast.

Mark Colp.jpg

Lakeport, CA

Mark Colp of Wooden Creations has been part of the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship since the very beginning and remains one of the event’s longtime returning professional carvers. Known for both his entertaining carving style and strong connection with spectators, Mark says there are fans who look forward to seeing him return to Reedsport year after year. Based in Lakeport, California, Mark travels throughout the country creating custom chainsaw sculptures and live event carvings. His favorite subjects include wildlife, marine life, nautical themes, totems, Southwest-inspired pieces, and of course, bears. Every sculpture is carved from redwood and reflects decades of craftsmanship, creativity, and passion for the artform. Mark’s work has also been featured on television, including appearances on the reality series Carver Kings and Saw Dogs, showcasing his carving talent to audiences across North America. Whether carving at competitions, events, or custom installations, Mark says his greatest satisfaction comes from seeing people excited to take one of his finished sculptures home.

Paradise, MI 

Patrick Barrigar of Bear Grrr Custom Chainsaw Carvings discovered chainsaw carving unexpectedly after breaking his collarbone around Christmas several years ago. Looking for something to do while recovering, he carved his very first piece — a 10-inch pine tree that was gifted that same holiday. What started as a simple project quickly turned into a full-time passion and an entirely new direction in life. Now 36 years old, Patrick has been carving for four years, including the last two as a full-time professional artist. Traveling across much of the country with his chainsaws leading the way, Patrick has completed installations in cities across the United States and competed in numerous carving competitions over the past two years. Though he grew up as a country farm kid, he says he never imagined he would one day become an artist — much less compete alongside some of the top names in the carving world. Patrick draws inspiration from nature and from observing animals firsthand, channeling that energy into each new creation. He credits much of his journey and success to the support of his wife, Nikki, who has been beside him every step of the way. After competing in Reedsport previously, Patrick says the knowledge he gained and the friendships he made left a lasting impression, and he’s excited for the opportunity to return and reconnect with the carving family once again.

Shane Green.jpeg

United Kingdom

Shane Green is an internationally recognized sculptor and chainsaw artist from Leeds, United Kingdom whose career spans decades across fine art, education, public sculpture, and competitive chainsaw carving. After studying sculpture and Fine Art at Birmingham College of Art & Design, Shane spent more than 30 years working in art education as a Head of Art while continuing to pursue painting, printmaking, and sculpture alongside family life. For the past ten years, however, he has focused almost entirely on chainsaw carving as his primary artistic medium. A highly accomplished competitor on both sides of the Atlantic, Shane has participated in numerous championships throughout the UK and the United States, including the English and Scottish Open Championships and the European Chainsaw Carving Championships. In 2024, he earned second place at the Garnock Valley Carves competition near Glasgow, and during his time competing in the United States, he captured both First Place and the People’s Choice Award at the Eupora Chainsaw Carving Competition in Mississippi. Shane’s work explores a wide variety of themes, from wildlife and nature to musical, spiritual, and illustrative motifs. He describes chainsaw carving as a dialogue between artist and log — embracing the immediacy, spontaneity, and living tradition of direct carving. His extensive résumé includes public art commissions, sculpture trails, gallery exhibitions, television appearances, and large-scale installations throughout the UK and internationally, including features connected to the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Cutty Sark Museum, and Olympic sculpture projects in London.

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Puyallup, WA

Andy Walser is a Pacific Northwest chainsaw artist whose creative background spans graphite, ink, charcoal, pastels, and paint. After years working in traditional art mediums, Andy discovered chainsaw carving approximately six years ago and quickly found it to be his favorite form of artistic expression. Known for bold, imaginative carvings and dynamic designs, Andy brings a strong artistic eye and sculptural creativity to every competition. Returning to the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship after competing in the Semi-Pro Division in 2025, Andy joins the Pro Division for 2026 and looks forward to another exciting summer of carving events and competitions.

Bob King.jpg

Edgewood, WA

I have been carving since 1998. My wife and I, along with Pat Dwelly, started the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship in 2000. We are happy to be just carving there since 2009. We remember the first year of the competition, hoping that people would come. The people of Reedsport showed up and have supported this show for 26 years! Thank you for the support — this show would have never grown and been the success it is today without all of you and the carvers that took a chance on a new show. I consider myself somewhat retired at this point. I guess what retirement looks like for me is just carving what I want to carve and picking commissions that interest me. Chainsaw carving has been good to us. It has given us the chance to travel around the world and meet people that mean a lot to us. I enjoy carving wildlife and Norman Rockwell type scenes. I got into carving by going to the fair and seeing carvers. I was fascinated with the idea of carving with a chainsaw, just like many spectators. The main difference was my wife said we couldn’t afford to buy a sculpture, so I decided I could just make one myself. At the time I had no idea the things that I would create over my career or that any of that was even possible. I was always looking for something else to try, learning from every sculpture. My stuff looked pretty rough at first, but with each mistake I learned what I could do differently so that it would be better the next time. Things I learned along the way was to never copy someone else’s work. If you want to carve a duck, look at a duck and copy the real thing. That is how you develop your own style. A sharp chain is your friend. Start with your biggest saw and don’t put it down until there is nothing more you can carve with it, then go to the next size saw down. Oops, out of room.

Chris Foltz.jpg

North Bend, OR 

Chris Foltz is a world champion ice sculptor, accomplished wood sculptor, and dedicated educator whose artistic career spans multiple carving disciplines. Based on the Oregon Coast in North Bend, Chris is passionate not only about creating art, but also about mentoring and supporting the next generation of chainsaw and ice carving artists. In addition to competing professionally, Chris serves as a chef instructor at OCCI and coaches the collegiate ice carving team representing Oregon in Alaska. His work and mentorship have helped inspire students to pursue creativity, craftsmanship, and competitive carving at a high level. Chris and his students were featured by OPB during the 2023 competitive ice carving season, highlighting both his artistry and commitment to education. Whether working in wood or ice, Chris continues to push artistic boundaries while representing the Pacific Northwest carving community with pride.

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Denny Henson

Sandpoint, ID 

Denny Henson began chainsaw carving as a hobby in 2014 after taking a class at the George Kenny School of Chainsaw Carving. What started as a creative outlet quickly developed into a true passion for the craft and the challenge of competitive carving. After a 20-year career as an Electrical Engineer, Denny retired in 2023 and relocated from Washington to Idaho to pursue chainsaw carving full time. Since then, he has competed in carving events throughout Oregon, Washington, and Montana, continuing to sharpen his skills alongside some of the industry’s top artists. Denny especially enjoys carving wildlife and caricature-style animals, bringing personality and character into each piece he creates. He values the spirit of competition and the sense of community that events like the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship provide, pushing artists to grow creatively while sharing their passion with spectators and fellow carvers alike.

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Longbranch, WA

Garrett Aries of Aries Sculptures LLC has been carving for many years and has built a career around both craftsmanship and community within the chainsaw carving world. Garrett began learning the artform at the George Kenny School of Chainsaw Carving in Allyn, Washington, where he continues carving full time out of George Kenny’s shop. Over the years, carving has taken Garrett across the country and introduced him to countless fellow artists and carving enthusiasts along the way. While he enjoys the challenge of competition, one of the things he values most is the camaraderie shared among carvers and the friendships built through events like the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship. A returning favorite at ODCCC, Garrett looks forward each year to carving in Reedsport alongside talented artists while enjoying the incredible atmosphere, staff, and carving community that make the championship so special.

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Bonney Lake, WA

Jacob Lucas is a professional chainsaw carver based in Bonney Lake, Washington whose work reflects both craftsmanship and a passion for the art of live carving competition. Returning to the Pro Division at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship, Jacob continues to build his reputation through dedication to the craft and participation in carving events throughout the Pacific Northwest. Known for creating detailed custom carvings with a strong artistic presence, Jacob approaches each piece with creativity, precision, and a deep appreciation for woodworking as both an artform and a performance. Whether carving for competition or commission work, he enjoys the challenge of transforming raw wood into expressive works of art.

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Grenada, CA

Jason Murieen of Grenada, California has been chainsaw carving for approximately 10 years, turning a lifelong admiration for professional carvers into a creative passion of his own. What began as curiosity and a desire to test his saw skills quickly became an artistic outlet that now leaves pieces of his work displayed throughout his local community. By profession, Jason works for the United States Forest Service as the Regional Saw Coordinator for the Pacific Southwest Region, bringing years of experience and respect for chainsaw work into both his career and his art. As a chainsaw artist, he specializes in creating one-of-a-kind carvings full of personality and character, including wildlife, bears, signs, trees, Highland cows, and custom commission pieces. Jason believes every sculpture should highlight the natural beauty already hidden within the log — the grain, knots, texture, and spirit of the wood itself. He works with locally sourced wood whenever possible and enjoys transforming raw logs into timeless pieces that can be enjoyed for years to come. Beyond the carving itself, Jason says one of the best parts of competition is the friendships and family-like camaraderie shared among carvers across the country.

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Lincoln, NE

Nate Hall of 3 Timber Studio LLC is a professional chainsaw artist based in Lincoln, Nebraska who has been carving professionally since 2017. Over the years, Nate has created sculptures featuring a wide range of subject matter and has competed in carving events across the United States, earning multiple podium finishes along the way — including a People’s Choice award last year. Before entering the chainsaw carving world, Nate spent more than 20 years working in advertising and design as an award-winning creative director, art director, photographer, illustrator, animator, video producer, and digital artist. That extensive artistic background now influences his carving style, blending creativity, storytelling, and strong visual composition into every sculpture he creates. Nate has followed the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship for years and considers it one of the premier carving competitions in the world. After previously competing in Reedsport and learning firsthand from some of the industry’s top artists, he is excited for another opportunity to return and compete among the best. Nate especially enjoys carving wildlife, fantasy compositions, nautical themes, and other imaginative pieces that challenge his creativity and craftsmanship.

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Kansas City, KS

Rachael Mirth of Mirthful Creations is an independent full-time chainsaw carver whose passion for carving began in August of 2021 and quickly transformed into a thriving artistic career. Adventurous, ambitious, and constantly pushing herself creatively, Rachael has spent the past several years competing across the country while rapidly building a name for herself within the carving world. In 2024, Rachael earned first place in her very first wood carving competition in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, competing against more than 30 accomplished carvers. She also created her first large-scale ice sculpture that same year, further expanding her artistic range and attracting attention for her creativity and determination. Known especially for her aquatic-themed carvings and meaningful artistic pieces, Rachael enjoys creating sculptures that celebrate life underwater and connect emotionally with viewers. A former high school teacher, she now pours her energy into carving full time while continuing to learn new skills, travel to competitions, and challenge herself alongside some of the best carvers in the industry. After competing at Libby in 2025, she is excited to expand into the West Coast carving scene and test herself at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship.

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Kansas City, MO 

Steven Higgins is a longtime competitive chainsaw carver from Kansas City, Missouri with more than 25 years of carving and competition experience. Having started competitive carving at just 15 years old, Steven has spent decades honing his craft through live events, championships, and demonstrations across the country. A familiar face at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship, Steven was part of the very first ODCCC event nearly 27 years ago and has remained connected to the competition ever since. Over the years, he has earned numerous competition placements, including a previous second-place finish in Reedsport as well as multiple quick carve victories. Known for both his experience and strong competitive presence, Steven continues to bring passion, creativity, and years of professional carving knowledge to every event he attends. His work and carving background have made him a respected competitor within the chainsaw carving community and a returning part of the ODCCC tradition.

© Reedsport / Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce 2026

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