By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Woodcrafters from throughout Aroostook County and other parts of Maine recently gathered to exhibit their work in the Forestry Building at the Northern Maine Fair, with live demonstrations and opportunities for spectators to have a few questions answered.
Staff photo/Kathy McCartney
Handcrafted woodwork was on display during the Northern Maine Fair, created by artisans from around the state, including several from Aroostook County. Here, Brian Fields, of Caribou, works on a raised relief in the Forestry Building, giving fairgoers an opportunity to see firsthand what is involved in created one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Brian Fields, of Caribou, was on hand Saturday, July 30, turning an ordinary slab of wood into an artistic raised relief.
“I started working with wood around 1993. I’ve done raised reliefs of ducks, geese — a bit of everything,” said Fields, as he whittled away a section of wood, shavings falling to the floor.
Fields said he finds it relaxing work.
“I just do it for the enjoyment,” said Fields, noting the hobby is quickly catching on. “There are so many people in the County doing this stuff now.”
He said several crafters have been working under the skillful direction of Tom Cote, of Limestone.
“We’re all under Tom Cote — are members of Top of Maine Carvers Club,” Fields said.
Galen Cote, of Presque Isle, is Tom Cote’s cousin; he was also at the exhibit, answering questions and showing some of the many unique carved items on display to interested visitors.
“I’ve been carving for about four years. We use a number of specialty tools for woodcarving,” said Cote.
Cote said his cousin has been working with students to pass on skills that once were common practice in Aroostook County.
“Tom does a lot of (Christmas) ornaments. He’s been teaching this stuff for years. He was an art teacher at Limestone/MSSM until he retired,” said Cote.
Many of the displays in the Forestry Building were created by former students, according to Cote.
“There are carvers from Caribou, Fort Fairfield and New Canada,” said Cote. “There are a lot of talented people in the County.”
For more information on woodcarving or on classes, contact Carvings by Cote, 8 Summit St., Limestone, ME 04750; call 325-4258 or 325-1233; or e-mail artist_nook@hotmail.com.
