The whimsical woodcraft artistry of Rick Wieser is on exhibit in the meeting room and display cases through the end of September.

Mr. Wieser is a semi-retired engineer who has been working with wood for over 50 years. About 7 years ago, on a trip to Bar Harbor, he was inspired by a whale carved from a piece of wood. He started making his own whales, selling about 20 before taking on the challenge of marine tropical fish. The process Mr. Wieser uses brings out the deep rich grain of the wood, thus the name of his enterprise, “Driftwood Fish Co.” His craft morphed into other wood creations. He made a birdhouse that looked like an Irish bar, because his good friend was Irish. The fish are crafted from leftover construction beams. The storefronts and fanciful buildings are crafted from wine crates, his old fence, a neighbor’s yew tree, and other miscellaneous sources. Each piece is a labor of love. A carved whale can take 4 to 6 hours, while the more elaborate pieces range from 20 to 50 hours.

When forced to take a college art class, he was introduced to pen and ink. He recently resumed sketching and drawing after a 45 year hiatus. His new pieces are also in the show – all originals.

Mr. Wieser made approximately 600 pieces to date and has sold them in LBI, Cape Cod, Mystic, New Hope (PA), Intercourse (PA), Lamington (NJ), Chester (NJ) and local nurseries and garden shops.

Approximately 60 pieces are on display at the Hillsdale Library.