By CATHERINE LEGG/Community Columnist

The January-February show in the Parnell Memorial Library Art Gallery is the work of Andy Cummings, a popular Montevallo chainsaw artist. The exhibit is sponsored by the Montevallo Arts Council with a gallery talk and reception for Cummings at 3 p.m. on Feb. 10 in the gallery.

The fascinating carvings in the exhibit range from a small marble falcon, whose new home will be in the library garden, to a huge sailfish.

The group of sculptures is anchored by the familiar angel whose home is the Southern Writers’ Room of the library.

Among the wonderful carvings is one of a beautifully detailed owl with wings stretched skyward, and an eerily realistic skeleton. Several are available for purchase including a very large turtle, a beautiful black walnut heron and a red cedar heron.

All of Montevallo is really a showcase for Cummings’ work. Perhaps without recognizing the artist, readers have seen the bench in front of the Blue Phrog Art Gallery, the entrance and sign at El Agave, the logo at Falcon Art Supply, the carvings in the front walk of the Fox and Pheasant B&B and several pieces at Eclipse along with the story pole telling the story of Eclipse.

Cummings’ dad was in the military, so they moved a lot, and Cummings went to several different schools.

His dad was originally from Montevallo and came back here to retire, so our artist made his permanent home in Montevallo.

He had always been intrigued with art, had loved whittling and music. He taught himself to play the guitar and the mandolin.

The realization that he had a real talent came as he was working in the cleanup of Ivan, he found that he had a real gift of artistry with the chainsaw.

“My gift has been a blessing from God,” he said, “and it’s a special blessing to be able to devote my life to the art, and to make a living with it. I feel a responsibility to share the talent I picked up so late in life.”

 

Catherine Legg can be reached by email at clegg2@bellsouth.net.