Artists from across the globe landed in Eau Claire last weekend, Aug. 2-4, to demonstrate their sculpting skills – chainsaw sculpting, that is. The U.S. Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship welcomed attendees to watch artists carve throughout the event and even the opportunity to take a sculpture home. Eau Claire hosts the international championship every other year, with proceeds going toward Chippewa Valley Museum programming. 

This year's U.S. Chainsaw Sculpture Champion was Jake Rhodes (Canada), depicting a brown bear and cub at a birch tree while an eagle stood atop near a “don’t feed the bears” sign. Second place went to Kyle Thomas (U.S.); Third place went to Ryan Villiers (Canada); and fourth place went to Chris Wood (Wales). See photos of the winners online.