Two Wyoming Carvers Reception at Brinton

Birds and birdhouses go together. Especially at the newest exhibit at the Brinton Museum. Two Wyoming wood carvers, Don Johnson and Roger Haight currently have their work on display in the Northern Trust Gallery at the Brinton Museum. The exhibit opened with a reception on April 10, and will run through the month of June.

Johnson creates finely crafted birdhouses, drawing on principles of modern architecture and allowing the natural character of the wood—its grain, color, and structure—to inform each design.

Johnson has been building birdhouses for around 10 years. He emphasized how grain, color, and character shape each birdhouse. He said that mostly small birds use the outdoor houses, finches, wrens, sparrows, and chickadees.

Roger Haight creates intricately detailed, polychromed sculptures of birds and wildlife, capturing motion and habitat with remarkable realism. His path to woodcarving began in childhood

He had a career as a professor of microbiology, when he returned to carving as a dedicated practice he focused on birds and other natural subjects. His process involves careful study of anatomy, habitat, and movement, resulting in works that convey both accuracy and vitality.

He said he uses many different woods, basswood, juniper, butternut, and black walnut, but basswood, which comes from the Linden Tree, is his favorite wood for carving.

Kendra Heimbuck, Executive Director, had this comment about the exhibit,

A large crowd attended the reception for the carvers, and the exhibition also reflects the enduring vision of Bradford and Helen Brinton, who sought to preserve the Quarter Circle A Ranch as a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. By focusing on avian subjects and natural environments, Two Wyoming Carvers connects artistic practice with the landscape that surrounds the museum.

Some of the artists’ work is available for sale in The Brinton Museum Gift.