Local artist to compete in Iowa Arts Council Agricultural Art Contest June 1

Osceola artist Allen Hendrickson has been working with wood for the past three years creating intricate pieces of art. He is a member of the Clarke Area Arts Council, and this year has created a large piece of wood art to take to the Iowa Arts Council Agricultural Contest June 1 in Des Moines.

Hendrickson got started with woodworking after his doctor discovered a heart condition and instructed him to stop his very physical job of pouring concrete. After surgery on his heart, Hendrickson needed something to keep himself busy and had enjoyed working with wood when he was younger.

With a trammel, hand sander and a 16-inch scroll saw, Hendrickson was able to create his work of art for the Agricultural Art Contest. It took him 18 intense days of work to complete the piece.

All the wood Heckdrickson uses is natural and he purchases it at the Woodsmith Store in Des Moines. In his piece for the Agricultural Art Contest, the only piece of wood that is colored is the blue piece on the American flag.

“I wanted the piece to be natural and lifelike but also 3D,” said Hendrickson.

This particular piece was inspired by a coloring book picture that Hendrickson came across in his search for the perfect agricultural scene to replicate in wood.

Hendrickson has sold his art all over the world and his art can be viewed on his Facebook page at Creative Wood Art and Crafts. To order wood art from Hendrickson, visit his Facebook page or call him at 641-342-2900.