Pictured is a carving created by Hank Walker, the featured artist this November at the Black Cat Gallery.
The Black Cat Gallery celebrates Hank Walker and his artistic woodcarvings as the featured artist this November. From carved pelicans to woodpeckers, Hank is able to capture the beauty of nature in his life size carvings.
Hank’s experience of wildlife and carvings, spans over several decades. In 1965, or so, Hank moved to Owego with IBM, retired 20 years later, and had to give some serious thought to survival. Hank started a taxidermy business in his garage, thanks to the encouragement of several artistic friends and mentors, and he flourished in this endeavor.
As his experience grew, Hank became an expert in taxidermy, spending winters in Taiwan, as a museum taxidermist. He worked on everything, from plants to large animals to humming birds. When Hank first joined the Black Cat Gallery, he was completing his final taxidermy commission, a grizzly bear.
Hank is a proud member of the Catatonk Valley Woodcarvers, and is now working on his 396th carving. Hank recently won the “Best in Show” at the October Fall Show in Candor. And Hank is grateful for the support of the Catatonk Woodcarvers, the artists at the Black Cat Gallery, and to his wife, Kareen, who does not complain about the sawdust and wood chip paths through the house. There is always one more carving to be born.
Visit Hank’s work at the Black Cat, they are absolutely amazing carvings.
The November Art Walk is Friday, Nov. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy the fine music of Jim Overhiser and Frank Mangini. Listen to music, view new work of more than 40 artists, and have pride in supporting a local, small business. The Black Cat Gallery provides the highest quality and selection of local crafts in the area.
Inquiries of interest in joining the Black Cat Gallery can be made through their website, blackcatgalleryowego.com; and keep up with them on Facebook for the latest creations of jewelry, textiles, pottery, art and much more.
Black Cat is located at 190 Front St. in Owego, and is open every day.
