Olney Post Office Installation

I was recently inspired to share my art with a broader segment of my community, and I was met with incredible support from my neighbors. The art has started many overdue and very necessary conversations and I'm grateful for the open hearts and minds that have held and spread the love.

Chainsaw Artist Carves Social Justice Sculpture in OlneyCarved from a 55-year-old cherry tree and standing about 4-feet tall, a wooden fist is bringing the community together. Chainsaw artist Colin Vale carved the wooden sculpture located in the heart of Olney, Maryland. He said he was inspired by a little boy at a George Floyd Black Lives Matter protest. “I was standing next to this little beautiful innocent…

Part 1

The head of the homeowner's association that manages the land on which the art sits connected local news station NBC4 with my story and they made a beautiful piece that captures the love with which I shared my sculptures.

Part 2

The night the news segment aired, the sculpture disappeared. The next day, as soon as I reported the theft, I lugged the biggest log I had back to the same spot, committing to rebuild better. Unfortunately there is still pain in this world, even right here, but we do not have to suffer. By getting back to work I have a new wonderful opportunity to publicly model the work it takes to fight racism. Love is greater than hate.

Chainsaw Artist's Black Lives Matter Sculpture Stolen From OlneySocially conscious chainsaw artist Colin Vale stood outside along a Maryland road Thursday evening, tools buzzing and woodchips flying as he carved a 4-foot tall wooden fist out of a 55-year-old cherry tree. It’s the second time he’s carved the same artistic tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement. Vale says he was back to work after his first sculpture…

Community Journal

As part of the installation, I put a leather-bound journal in the base of the sculpture with my statement of what the piece was about, and invited the community to add their thoughts and reactions. This was not stolen and the community has added some wonderful comments, which I present below.