KCH Dedicates Chainsaw Carving

The large maple tree at the Route 6 entrance to Kane Community Hospital (KCH) that for decades produced beautiful bright red leaves in fall had slowly died over the years until it was no longer producing leaves.

Leadership recommended that the tree stump be preserved for a special carving during KCH's 80th anniversary year, when it was determined that the trunk was still viable for carving.

It was decided to dedicate the carving -- a Kane Wolf --to the community that the Hospital has had the pleasure to serve and grow with for eight decades. As the maple gave so much to the landscape for decades, so too has the Kane area supported their Hospital and allowed it grow and develop to meet the changing needs of residents and guests of our area and expanding communities.

During National Hospital Week Rick Boni -- Co-founder of Appalachian Arts Studio and the Ridgway, PA Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous -- carved the standing log to reveal the Kane wolf, our school, sport and community mascot. It was a two-day carving process. Later the carving was stained to protect it.

Throughout the carving process, staff enjoyed watching the work of art being created. Many people slowed down as they passed, watching the progress from their vehicles.

Rick attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and the Columbus College of Art & Design. Early in his career, he was a pottery and art instructor in Florida. In the years that followed he pursued a graphic arts career. Then he became involved with chainsaw carving where he began to explore and experiment with the design and techniques of this new and exciting art form.

Boni has been a chainsaw carver for 20 years. In the mid 90s he began accepting performance contracts through Masters of the Chainsaw, an elite carving team comprised of National Champions. Through Masters, he traveled much of the east coast demonstrating chainsaw art at events such as NASCAR, fairs, and festivals.

He was asked to teach Chainsaw Carving in Japan and to serve as judge at International Chainsaw Carving Competitions. He now judges competitions through the country and around the world.

His work is displayed in places such as The American University, Washington, DC, Hershey Gardens, New Jersey, Ohio, Scotland, England and Japan and now also at Kane Community Hospital on Scenic Route 6 W in Kane.

Rick Boni Boni standing with the completed, stained carving outside Kane Community Hospital on Route 6 W; on scaffold during Hospital Week carving a wolf the Hospital has dedicated to the community of Kane on the occasion of the Hospital's 80th Anniversary.
(Photos courtesy of Kane Community Hospital)