A client in Forest, Virginia commissioned a pair of large Brown Bears for their farm. Trees had fallen on their property and here are videos on their transformation into a 6 foot and a 6 foot 7 inch pair of bears. The client wanted to keep the natural grain of the wood so Mark used the torch to burn in the face and coat details and finished them with clear polyurethane. Part 1: Part 2: Part 3:

This 6' tall black bear has quite the stance and presence. He was started last summer and left to dry until early winter so that any potential cracks could be addressed as the wood dried.

This guy, affectionately named Henry, lives with his adopted parents in a lovely condo with a gorgeous view at Wintergreen Resort. I love his kind expression, and he's the perfect height for a fireplace hearth.

This fella, started last summer and finished in the fall, stands at 5'6". This big bear was a commissioned carving who now stands guard at the bottom of a private residential driveway in Nelson County. The bear's muzzle was burned to bring out his features and  the wood's natural and soft coloring. He's painted black and sealed with a clear polyurethane and is ready to withstand the elements as he greets the homeowners, friends and family.

Come again some other day.    

In early summer, Mark received a commission from a woman for a golfing black bear as a surprise Father's Day present for her husband. Such a wonderful gift idea! The father/husband was so excited, and they come out to meet Mark close to Father's Day to reveal the surprise. Seeing the reactions of all our new Sleepy Hollow sculpture owners is always one of the best parts of what we do. So, this golfing bear for Father's Day begs the question, "What would make the perfect Mother's Day gift?" Hmmmm......

Mark did a chainsaw carving demo at Arbor Day in Lynchburg. Thanks to the city and the Arbor Day committee for including us! Mark roughed in a bear and drew in a crowd. A couple of the black bears, one of the tiki totems and the Orca were on display. The Orca was popular with the kids and enthusiasm and spirits were high all-around for Mark's sculptures and demonstration. One of the tikis now lives at Caspian Tattoo in Lynchburg!

You might not think to find bears at an urban art show, but that is exactly what happened. Thanks to being a part of a group of talented Lynchburg friends (thanks Skull Fly!), Sleepy Hollow Art made an appearance at the 1st Urban Art Show at Catalano's. Three new bears, the bald eagle, the owl, and the whale all traveled to Main St. for the art show.  Urban Art Show, Downtown Lynchburg The New Bears: Kenneth, Lucinda and Marx Lucinda Carved out of reclaimed Southern Yellow Pine,...

Here is Mark's latest commission. He is over 6' tall and coming along nicely! The bear is visible from the road so feel free to drive up Waughs Ferry Road in Amherst and take a look. You can't miss him.

Check him out! Swing by and see him if you haven' t already. He's at Amherst Lawn and Garden in Amherst up the road from The Briar Patch.