Art in action: Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous returns to Ronan
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RONAN – From June 5-8, the town of Ronan once again filled with the thunder of chainsaws, the sweet scent of fresh-cut pine, and the wonder of art in action during the annual Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous.
Each day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., artists from across the Western Hemisphere transformed massive logs into stunning sculptures. Sawdust flew amid the roar of chainsaws as woodchips piled around the carvers’ boots. From fierce eagles and stoic bears to elaborate thrones and whimsical fantasy creatures, every piece told a story carved in wood — and every artist behind the saw had one of their own. Angela Collins, one of the event organizers, noted the growth of this year’s turnout. “This year has been different from previous years since we are seeing more foot traffic, which is good.”
The crowds wove through rows of finished and in-progress carvings, watching giant logs transform into works of art in real time. The scent of sap and sawdust lingered in the air like a signature.
With the Mission Mountains as a backdrop and the weather cooperating all weekend, spirits were high.
Longtime organizer and event founder Ronna Walcuk reflected on the evolution of the event.
“This is our sixth year of chainsaw carving. We have magnificent carvers from all over the Western Hemisphere, and we have had beautiful weather this year, which we are very happy with.”
As she spoke, the steady growl of a chainsaw buzzed behind her — a reminder of the work still unfolding in the carving pit. When asked what makes the event special to her, Ronna didn’t hesitate.
“The community and it being a nonprofit organization that goes to enrich the lives of our youth. So it makes it well worth it.”
Among the carvers was Pauline Cormier, whose hands and heart were shaped by the craft. Her journey into chainsaw carving began years ago.
“A long time ago, when chainsaw bears were just coming out, I wanted one, but I couldn’t afford one, so I picked up a chainsaw and taught myself,” she said.
With a practiced hand, she brings characters to life, but admits some subjects push even seasoned artists. “The biggest challenge of carving with a chainsaw is carving people, since human features aren’t as forgiving as, say, a bear or other creatures.”
To newcomers curious about the art, Pauline offers advice drawn from experience.
“Don’t carve tired, and don’t rush. Don’t get complacent with your tools. Come to the shows to see what everyone is doing — the guys here are super helpful and more than willing to give you help and tips since we’re helping each other out all the time. Then, if you haven’t used a chainsaw before, get one with a little less power just so you can get used to how the machine feels.”
By Sunday afternoon, as the last cuts were made and the crowd began to drift home, the fairgrounds were full of stories carved in grain and bark. The saws fell silent, but the sense of shared craft, passion, and community remained. And long after the last log was carved and packed away, the scent of pine still lingered on the breeze — a quiet echo of a weekend where wood and willpower became art.
This year's chainsaw carvers were:
Joe Srholez - Gypsum, CO
Denny Henson - Sandpoint, ID
Nate Hall - Lincoln, NE
Anthony Robinson - Hoquiam, WA
Brigitte Lochhead - Surrey, B.C., Canada
Ken Braun Jr., Montrose, CO
Hayden Wright - Maple Valley, WA
Pauline Cormier - Columbus, MT
Adrian Bois - Villa Elissa, Argentina
Alex Pricob - Renton, WA
Julie Zimmerman - Missoula, MT
Thor From Earth - Hoquiam, WA
Matt Ounsworth - Fort Collins, CO
Brent Passwater - Bigfork, MT
