During my trip on US Route 2 across Wisconsin, I came across a unique place called Grizz Works in the small town of Maple, Wisconsin. It amounted to a roadside stop with a whole bunch of big, realistic looking chainsaw carved wooden animals and other statues. I have seen many of these along the roads in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ontario, Arkansas and Kentucky, but the work that they had there was absolutely astounding!
What caught my eye from the road was a 10 foot tall giant wooden grizzly that looked alive!
Since I passed it, I found the next place to turn around and I went back and stop by for a visit. This is one of those classic reasons why I take back road adventures because you never know what you will see along the way.
When I first got out, I went up to a man (Jared Nelson) who was busily painting dark paint onto one of the sculptures. I spoke with him a bit and found out that he has been working with the owner (Justin Howland) for a number of years and that they do this together.
I watched him work for a while and took a couple of photos of him working on the project he was on. I then went over and spoke to Justin Howland.
I learned that he has been doing this for over 20 years and that it started out by accident after he done a little bit of work but now they do large projects for a number of clients in many of these pieces run into the thousands and tens of thousands of dollars. Before Justin became an accomplished chainsaw carver, he was an award-winning pencil artist. His works were displayed in Wisconsin’s State Capital and in 1991 he received the W.T. Rogers Art Award. Over the years, Justin has developed a distinctive style in both his drawings and chainsaw art.
Justin opened Grizz Works in 1999, and since then, he’s won numerous awards and was even featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover. There is a nice video of his work HERE.
Right there off of the road you could see nearly 20 to 25 pieces that were out there on display. But after talking to the owner, I found out that they also have two enclosed display areas on the site and are working on the third one. These will actually be like showrooms for their work.
He was gracious enough to get in the photo with me under the giant grizzly. This is truly the symbol of their work in this monstrous piece of work would be wonderful in anyone’s yard… If they could find a semi to get it there.
Glad I had the opportunity to meet these people and learn about their business. It was truly one of the more unique opportunities I had during my road trip across the country.
Just bought a bear sculpture there today! It was a neat place with excellent work, as you noted. It is true that the less beaten paths can produce great things!
My kids suprised me with a unicorn fo Mothers Day from justin not long after he started his business
It was the first & probably the only one of those he ever made. Its beautiful & i still have it. Thank you Justin
We own 3 of his works of art. Just love his work.
I love Grizz Works. It is one of the best features of the Hwy 2 drive through the area. Great artistic & cultural attraction.
I brought Justin a picture of a statue I wanted to have carved as a gift for my parents. Justin is very talented, he was able to capture the likeness in a chainsaw carving perfectly. Excellent work.
We love the News Of Grizz Works, We own many Bears that Jared Nelson carved. He is my Brother passed( Butchy’s Son) Missing You. Aunt Tiny & Uncle Tom Saari
Hello. Jared is my cousin. I’ve brought people to Grizz Works in the past, just to check the place out. On a couple of those brief stops, I’ve gotten to see Jared. He is one of a few artists in my family.