Utica, IL- Starved Rock Lodge recently welcomed two Southern Illinois artists to the Park and after a few days of hard work, six new sculptures were added to the Lodge's "Art in the Park" exhibit. The display is now the largest collection of chainsaw art in the state of Illinois. This free activity is to the public and provides many great opportunities to snap a photo of family or friends. "I met the carvers in my hometown when I visited a few weeks ago," said Terry Cross, Starved Rock Lodge President/CEO and Concessionaire, "I was so impressed with their work, I bought one sculpture from each artist and invited them to the Lodge to showcase their talent at Starved Rock."

Luke Harris of Alton and Don Johnson of Grafton delivered 2 pieces of artwork while on their way to this year's chainsaw carving competition in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. "It was just our luck that the artists planned to take I-39 right past Utica, so the timing was perfect," said Cross. Johnson's newly carved wooden bench, weighing over 400 lbs. with a creative woodlands theme, was placed just inside the main doors of Great Hall. One of Harris' sculptures was positioned between the Hotel and Lodge entrances. After the pair of "carving artists" competed up north, they stopped at the Lodge to carve sculptures while Lodge guests watched the creations come alive.

Starved Rock Lodge now has 30 woodcarvings in its collection. A new map is available at the Hotel's Front Desk, so guests can take a self-guided tour through the park to see the art. The collection is especially popular with anyone who may not be able to hike into the canyons. The paths are wheelchair and stroller friendly. "Our woodcarvings are a great way to extend the life of a dead tree, instead of cutting down, " said Activities Director Edna Daugherty, "It takes about an hour to see all of the wood carvings. I always remind our guest to look at all sides of the artwork because sometimes there's a surprise in the carving such as a comical raccoon in the back or along the side of the sculpture."

WOODCARVERS LIVE DEMO on October 17 & 18, 2008

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