For Art Anderson, it’s all about the wood.
Anderson’s love started early when he crafted a 14-foot rowboat using only hand tools when he was 16, according to his wife, Pat. Drawing and design projects followed, but it is working with his hands and the creations that drive him.
“He loves woodworking and he loves kids; we have 9 grandchildren and the League asked if we could do some sort of project, so we came up with this,” Pat said.
The project at this year’s League of N.H. Craftsmen’s Fair has kids make a drawing from one of four different animal designs. Anderson cuts out the design, and then Pat Anderson sands the creations, some with moveable parts. Circus and farm animals, including his trademark “Rocking Cow” are part of his New England Folk Art business, but it is much more for Anderson.
“The Rocking Cow really shows his sense of humor,” Pat Anderson said. “Even the udders move.”