Chain saw sculptors gather for Wisconsin art convention

August 12, 2013 ( EAU CLAIRE, Wis.) -- Chain saw artists from around the world gathered in western Wisconsin for a woodcarving competition.

It was for the third annual U.S. Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship in Eau Claire.

Takao Hayashi of Japan placed first, Curtis Ingvolstad of Minnesota placed second, Steve Higgins of Missouri placed third and Chris Foltz of Oregon placed fourth. Cash prizes were $3,000, $2,000, $1,000 and $500, respectively.

The Leader-Telegram reports many of the wood creations were of wildlife like raccoons, eagles and bears. The public got to see them during Sunday's auction. Half the proceeds are given to the artist and the other half to the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum.

Event chairman Larry Doyle says judges select the competitors based on criteria like how many competitions they've won and their world ranking.

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