Ralph Sandquist Collection Bird Carvings

Ralph Sandquist was a sign maker from Busti, NY who turned to wood carving in retirement. He taught himself to carve, and his trademark was inclusion of the environment – flowers, leaves and bark with each piece.

He worked primarily in tupelo wood, first carving, then detailing and then painted each piece. During his lifetime it’s estimated he created nearly 1,000 carvings.

Mr. Sandquist passed in February of 2024 but his children, Clark and Sharon, believe it’s time their dad’s work is put on display for everyone to appreciate. They are gifting a number of birds to the Hazeltine Public Library for an ongoing exhibit and another group of the carvings is on loan to the library.

The display is open to the public during library hours – Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 PM – 7 PM. Tuesday and Thursday 10 AM – 5 PM and Saturday 10 AM – 1 PM.