July Artists of the Month
EARL WALLACE
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Samples of Earl Wallace's work.
 | Earl Wallace, a self-taught stone and wood carver, was born on November 30, 1952. Starting craft work at the age of 6, Earl was often told by his grandfather that he would have a future in carving. Earl became a stone mason by trade, but in recent years he has been concentrating more on producing his artwork and selling it so that others can enjoy and appreciate his work. Various members of his family were also artisans. His mother, Ollie Wallace Owl, was a basket maker and bead worker. Another member of the family, Tahquette Wallace was a stone carver and Epse Welch made bows and arrows. The gift of craftsmanship has been passed down through generations in Earl’s family. “Carving is a gift given to me... handed down from generation to generation. When I carve, I have memories of where my talent comes from. All my work is created from hand held tools... no machines. If a carving brings memories of past generations, then I feel it should be handmade... not machine made.” Earl Wallace, Stone & Wood Carver |
FRED WILNOTY
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Samples of Fred Wilnoty's work.
 | Fred Wilnoty was born on December 9, 1964, to John and Elnora Wilnoty and came from a long generational line of talented artisans. His father was a carver and his mother made baskets. Fred’s first desire in life was to go into the army and be a part of Special Forces but life had another plan for him. He discovered his God-given talent of carving like his father, and grandfather before him. With no formal training, he has been carving stone, wood and sometimes bone for the past twenty three years. He learned his art from watching his father who always encouraged him to develop his talent. Fred loves to pick up a piece of stone and begin to cut away at it to see what’s waiting inside. Artistic talent has been passed down over the generations... Fred remembers his grandfather, Julious Wilnoty, made ceremonial pipes, as well as bows and arrows, even knapping the arrowhead himself. In addition to his father, his other two brothers also have a talent for carving. Fred’s two sons are showing an interest in the arts as well. Fred has been recognized with various awards for his carvings. “My work is an expression of my God-given talent” Fred Wilnoty, Stone, Wood & Bone Carver |