Harry and I moved to Texas in 1989. In 1991 we visited Six Flags Park during Pioneer Days. While we looked at many tables with various forms of art, Harry was especially drawn to the woodcarving. He stopped to talk to some of the people at the table. He asked lots of questions about carving. I left to look at some other displays in the park. I stopped back several times and found him still deep in conversation. A couple of hours later I was finally able to pull him away. The seed was planted. I saw where there was going to be a woodcarving class in Paxton’s (a store that carries exotic woods in Dallas) and signed him up. Harry has never looked back.

He joined clubs in Ft. Worth and Grapevine. Within a year he was competing in shows, and winning ribbons.

In 1993 Harry lost the vision in his left eye due to glaucoma. I was afraid his carving was over because he lost his depth perception. As it happened he was in the North Texas show right after loosing his vision. He entered three carvings. They all won ribbons. This gave him the will to learn over again.

When Harry gets involved in something, he jumps in with both feet. He joined the Texas Woodcarvers Guild and within a couple of years and several blue ribbons, he became an officer. He has held several offices since then. He is also an instructor at their annual functions. His teaching hasn’t stopped there. He has been asked to visit several carving clubs in Texas to teach pieces. He loves sharing his gift. Recently he has started a local club. People who have seen his work and experienced his enthusiasm are now his students.

Harry truly believes that a real tribute to God is to make art from His creation, wood.

Ginger Seurkamp