Master Woodworking Artist of the Year

The Forest Heritage Center Museum (FHC), located in the heart of Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, Oklahoma, was officially designated as the “Wood Art Capital of Oklahoma” in 2010. This new claim to fame authorizes the museum to bestow the title of “Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” to a commendable artist in this field. FHC will open the very first juried “Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” exhibit with a reception and awards presentation on Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 from 1-3 p.m. The exhibit will continue through May 5th, showcasing some of the most intriguing and innovative pieces of wood art selected from thirteen artists. “The objects will be diverse and should create a lot of conversation about the beautiful art forms that come from trees,” stated Doug Zook, FHC director. “We are pleased to have these talented wood artists commit to a project of this magnitude and help raise the stature of wood art in Oklahoma.”

Who will hold the title for 2013? Competing artists include:

Tommy Allen, Idabel, Oklahoma;
Ben Berryman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
Jim Cate, Howe, Oklahoma;
Dewayne Colwell, Blanchard, Oklahoma;
Ron Engel-Wilson, Idabel, Oklahoma;
Didier Jegaden, Edmond, Oklahoma;
Butch Lindsey, Tuttle Oklahoma;
Ray McAdams, Ashdown, Arkansas;
Allen Phillips, Dekalb, Texas;
Miguel Rivera, Nogales, Arizona
Kenneth Vonk, Mena, Arkansas.

On March 3rd, participating artists and guests stood patiently awaiting the results at the “Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” opening reception.

     2013 Artist of the Year: Kenneth Vonk of Mena, Arkansas, with ‘Wellspring James 5:18’
     2nd Place: Miguel Rivera of Nogales, Arizona for his substantial wood art pieces titled, ‘Shaman #3’
     3rd Place: Miquel Rivera of Nogales, Arizona for his artwork, ‘My Fallen Angel.’

Places for the “Exemplary Local Artist of the Year” (McCurtain County residence only) category included:
     1st Place: Ron Engel-Wilson of Idabel, OK for his piece titled ‘Beauty Within;”
    2nd Place: Tommy Allen of Idabel, OK for his piece titled, ‘Lone King;’
    3rd Place: Tommy Allen of Idabel, OK for his piece titled, ‘Untitled.’

The Forest Heritage Center Museum offered several Purchase Awards from local artists, in addition to the whole show. These pieces will go into the Museum's permanent collection and will be on display throughout the year at the Forest Heritage Center Museum.
     Local Woodworking Artist of the Year Purchase Awards included:
            Ron Engel-Wilson for his pieces ‘Attack of the Sloth II” and “Beauty Within.”
    Master Woodworking Artist of the Year Purchase Awards included:
            Ray McAdams of Ashdown, AR for his piece “Untitled #109”
           Kenneth Vonk of Mena, AR for his piece titled, ‘Wellspring James 5:18.’

“As the newly recognized Wood Art Capital of Oklahoma, we are honored to host such a prominent exhibit with commendable artists, known to many, by their wood art,” stated Doug Zook, FHC Museum Director.

Quintus Herron, former FHC Board Chair and one of the original FHC founders, pointed out that from the museum’s inception in 1976 it has promoted wood art, beginning with the acquisition of the iconic Peter Toth sculpture known as the Whispering Giant in 1976, the recent addition of the Pine Maiden and the board of directors’ ongoing sponsorship of the woodturning classes at area high schools

In 1996, the Wood Art Gallery was established to showcase some of the finest works of art utilizing wood as a medium. The Wood Art Gallery has been very well-received by museum visitors and has generated a new audience of wood collectors and art lovers who appreciate the beauty and artistry of wood.

The “Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” exhibit will be free and open to the public March 3rd – May 5th, 2013 at the Forest Heritage Center Museum. Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Click here for Rules, Regulations, an Application or more information. Applications are due: January 7th, 2013

Or contact the FHC staff:
FHC Museum Office: 580-494-6497; Cell: 405-249-9612
Or click here to email the museum.

This exhibit is made possible by the Forest Heritage Center Advisory Board, Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Forestry Services and members of the Forest Heritage Center Association.