Rodeo Artist, Jerry Culver

Among many talented artists displaying their work at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros this weekend, was artist Jerry Culver of Three Points, Arizona.

His art work ranges from a $5 to $300 range, depending on the detail, intricacy, and time spent on each piece. He uses premade templates from Creative Woodworks and Crafts magazine and a scroll saw to complete his projects. It is very labor intensive but he sincerely enjoys doing each piece.

Culver started doing his serious scroll saw work in 1991 when he retired fro his job at Fry's but he has been doing wood work his whole life.

"The last few years I have become interested in doing portraits and scenic things," he said.

For his next project he plans on making a butterfly that is made up many detailed images of various tigers. He said that it will probably take him about six months to finish.

After he finishes this project, he will mount it as he has mounted the rest of his projects, in a frame against black felt, to create contrast between the foreground and background.

Culver puts in the time, so that he and his customers will be completely satisfied with the finished product.

"I've gone as much as 50 hours on one," he said.

The art that tends to be most popular among customers are the pieces between $30 and $40. The wood work that falls above this price range tends to not be within the customers spending budget. His beautiful work is well worth it though. Culver spends many labor intensive hours perfecting each project to satisfy his clients.

"I tell my customers, when they're looking at my projects, I sell patience," he said.