Gary Etzler

ALPENA — Thunder Bay Arts Council is proud to announce their featured artist for July and August — Gary Etzler, award-winning carver.

A reception in his honor will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday in the TBA Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St. in downtown Alpena. As always, the reception is open to the public and free of charge.

The pristine waters of Hubbard Lake, located in Alcona County, has served as the home and studio of retired art teacher and award-winning artist and carver Etzler for over 56 years.

The major portion of his fulfilling art teaching career was 32 years in the Alcona Community School System, retiring in 1999.

Etzler received his B.S. from Bowling Green State University and his M.A. in Art Education from St. Francis Graduate College.

His versatile work in various media has garnered many top awards, including World Champion, Best of Show, Best of Species, and Best of State from various art competitions. The Great Lakes Fish Decoy Association World Championship of Fish Decoy Carving Show, State of Michigan Wildlife, Toledo Museum Multi-State Show, Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival, Midwest Decoy Contest, and many area art shows have facilitated growth through competition.

Currently, his work includes bird and fish carvings, duck decoys, ice fishing decoys, custom straight knives, decorated vintage canoe paddles, and cabin/Native American pieces.

“To reflect nature is the ultimate challenge,” Etzler said in his bio.