// CELEBRATING THE AMERICAN SPIRIT //

AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 4, 2010 AFTER KATRINA Artist carves a gift for the Gulf Coast

Crafting +Carousels in Ohio

BROILED TOMATOES RECIPE

SOUTHEAST EDITION ASK AMERICAN PROFILE Answers to Your // Florida sculptor Marlin Miller shapes hurricane-toppled trees in Biloxi, Miss. Celebrity Questions! >>> SEE PAGE 2 ASKASK AMERICAMERICANAN PROPROFILEF

Could you tell me Q what’s next for Helen Mirren, Q Has Wipeout co- who won an Oscar for her role host Jill Wagner ever in The Queen and was marvel- ous as Detective Jane Tennison tried to play the games in the Prime Suspect mysteries? featured on the TV show? —Rick Parker, Topeka, Kan. —Megan Murphy, Colorado Springs, Colo. Mirren, 65, has several films hitting theaters before the end of the A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., year, including Love Ranch (directed by her Wagner, 31, admits that she has never Bandmates Christian Taylor and Wally Kurth have staged husband, Taylor Hackford), The Debt and The run the Wipeout course, a gauntlet of a comeback with an album about their middle-age lives. Tempest. On Sept. 7, the release of Prime Sus- whimsically named obstacles including pect: The Complete Collection will include the Big Balls, Sucker Punch and Dreadmill. nine feature-length mysteries with Mirren in “When I first got the job, I thought, ‘I Q Is it true that Wally Kurth, who plays Jus- her TV role as Tennison, who rises through am going to do this tomorrow before tin Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives, has a band? the ranks of Britain’s Metropolitan Police. everybody starts.’ Then I saw the first —Carly Thomas, Andover, N.Y. couple of people go through it and I Yes. Kurth, 52, and pal Christian Taylor formed said, ‘I am never doing that.’ But before the show goes off the air, I want to a duo in 1992, which lasted until 2005. After a What happened toto Q jump on the big balls.” five-year break, Kurth & Taylor have returned Michael Dunn, who playeded with a new album, Greatest Hits? 1993-2010, Dr. Miguelito Loveless on which includes the song “Let’s Get the Band the 1960s series The Wild Back Together” and its comedic video. The song, Wild West? Kurth says, is about “a couple of middle-age —Susan G., Fries, Va. guys who have taken a leave of absence from the music business, living our domestic, middle-age Born Gary Neil Miller lives with kids.” in Shattuck, Okla., the 3-foot-10-inch Dunn wass a popular actor in the ATTORNEY ADVERTISING 1960s in movies, but he will be best remem- Have you been injured by a defective bered for his work in 10 episodes of TVs as the SHOULDER PAIN PUMP? diabolical Dr. Love- less. Dunn tried to Are you the victim shoulder cartilage. avoid the stereotypi- of a pain pump that Some of the products under investigation cal roles given to lit- malfunctioned after are manufactured by the Stryker, I-Flow, tle people at the time it was inserted into Curlin Medical and DonJoy corporations. and landed some your shoulder fol- Weitz & Luxenberg can help you plum guest roles on lowing surgery? understand your legal options. We are one , , Research now in- of America’s largest trial law and products Bonanza and Night dicates that some liability law firms with total verdicts and Gallery during his pain pumps that settlements in excess of $1 Billion,and brief career. He died in his sleep in 1973, at age deliver pain med- are committed to represent your interests 38. 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Publishing Group of America, Inc. will not be responsible 700 Broadway • New York, NY 10003 for unsolicited materials, and cannot guarantee the return of any or mail to: Ask American Profile, 341 Cool • JANUVIA/JANUMET INJURIES materials submitted to it. ©2010 Publishing Group of America, Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 1.888.411.LAWS • www.weitzlux.com Inc. American Profile™ is a trademark of Publishing Group of • SEROQUEL YOUTH INJURIES America, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of 37067. The volume of mail received prohib- any article, photograph, or other portion of this magazine without Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. • ZIMMER DUROM CUP HIPS the express written permission of Publishing Group of America, its us from giving personal replies—through Inc. is prohibited. e-mail or other means. Enjoy Sturdy Metal Bird Station! year round with Solar Light included! The perfect gift for fun with our feathered All the attachments friends! and feeders all bird lovers! FREE! For only Give the Squirrel-proof Bird Station $ 95 to yourself or a loved one! 29. SAVE $40.00 Dual function: Upstairs & Downstairs! on the MSRP of $69.95! DUAL FUNCTION! Fix the clear I Keep squirrels, + all this FREE! ALL dome about three feet above the cats and preda- ground and squirrels cannot get past it. tors away from Two FREE Feeders! NEW!OR, if squirrels are not a problem in your gar- small birds! Three FREE Feeding Trays! den, just lower the Clear Dome Baffle and create I Dual func- a Ground Feeding area. tion – up- Two FREE Hanging Baskets! Ground feeding attracts a greater variety of birds than stairs/ FREE Bird Bath! using just a bird table. The dome keeps rain off the feed downstairs! PLUS FREE! dishes. It can be adjusted to allow only small birds I Enjoyable to access the food, and it can be lowered down to in all four Dome Baffle that keeps the squirrels prevent predators from eating the food at night. You away. Or use it to create a covered can place all the fittings to suit your needs. seasons! I ground feeding station. I Solar light turns on automatically at night. The solar Durable metal panel on top of the light recharges the rechargeable construction – TOTAL VALUE $114.82 batteries (included) during the day. very stable! TOTAL SAVINGS $84.87 I Two hanging feeders! One metal mesh for nuts and I The lamp is one acrylic for seeds. charged by Including all FREE GIFTS! I Three mesh-based feeders for all types of food and a sunlight during bird bath. These can all be fixed to the pole wherever the day and Testimonial: you want. The four-hook support takes fat snacks, or illuminated “We have been testing this Multi-feeder for three automatically months on our lawn and the results have been fruit can be placed on the hooks. amazing. The ground feeding option has attracted I 2 beautiful flower baskets! at night! Innovative at least FOUR TIMES AS MANY BIRDS than just I Strong steel construction with black weather-proof Squirrel the regular “Upstairs” version. We get a large range coating! Four spike supports on the base of the pole Protection! of ground feeding birds. These include blackbirds, give excellent stability. Please note: this Multi-feeder is sparrows, robins, doves and various finches.” designed to be used on soft ground such as lawns or earth beds. If you want to put it on a patio or hard surface, Mail to: Four Corners Direct, Inc, Dept MLT 469, you will need to drill a suitable hole about 8” deep. PO Box 390261, El Paso, TX 88539-0261 Easy assembly. Color: black. Please Value $69.95 Total Height 71”. Yes! Please rush me: You pay $29.95 THE  specify - Feeders: 77/8” x 73/4” Item no. 10-1147 quantity! Ultimate Bird StationWorth $14.95 Included! PERFECT - Hanging Baskets: 1 Plus 3 Feeding Trays Worth 7 /8” x 4” dia PRODUCT/PRICE QTY. TOTAL $12.95 Included! GIFT - Mesh based Feeders: Please $ Plus Solar Light 71/8” x 11/8” Ultimate Bird Station with specify Plus these FREE products: quantity! Worth - Bird Bath: 91/8” x 13/8” Solar Light for $29.95/set $14.99 FREE! - Dome: 15” x 23/4” Includes all the FREE GIFTS Plus 2 Feeders Worth $9.95 FREE! presented in this ad! Plus Dome Baffle Worth $7.95 FREE! Add Shipping & handling $8.91 per order! Plus Bird Bath Worth Save when you buy more than one! $8.91 $11.98 FREE! Same S/H no matter how many you buy!

Plus 2 Hanging Baskets Total value $114.82 Residents of FL add 7%, and TX add 8.25% You pay $29.95 UPSTAIRS sales tax. $ All the usual Total savings $84.87 birds feed on Please print clearly! Total the upper part. DOWNSTAIRS You arrange The ground Use with the feeders in feeding area the Flower Please Baskets Check or money order enclosed (payable to any combina- will be a great Four Corners Direct, Inc.) print tion you want. attraction. The during the clearly! Charge my credit card dome protects Summer Plants and bird food are Exp. date Not available the feeders months – not included. from rain and remove in stores! debris from them or fill Card# above. with sprigs of spruce during the NAME Winter months. ADDRESS 90 day 4 spikes to secure Order from our secure website! it firmly into the return ground! www.fourcorners.com policy! CITY ST ZIP Enter at checkout to If you are not Value Code MLT 469 use this offer completely satisfied with your purchase, E-MAIL Or order by mail simply return it £ within 90 days, for Send to: Four Corners Direct, Inc., Dept. MLT 469, any reason, and PO Box 390261, El Paso, TX 88539-0261 your purchase price The best ideas and offers, (excluding shipping directly to you! Order by phone. 1-800-550-5700 Mention the Value & handling) will be U.S. orders only. No shipments to Value Code MLT 469 Toll-free number: Code in the coupon. refunded.

Canada. All measurements approximate. Corners Direct, Inc. ©Copyright 2010 Four FREE GIFT! $ ONLY 2009 Anniversary 4 95 4-Coin Set • One-Year-Only coins ! • Mint Uncirculated 45-Day Money Back Guarantee of Satisfaction Special Offer for New Customers Only ✓ Please send me the Big 40-Coin Set of 1969-2008 ❐YES! Memorial Cents in mint Uncirculated condition for the special price of only $4.95 – regularly $19.95, plus FREE Shipping (limit 5 sets). Also send my FREE Uncirculated 2009 Lincoln Anniversary Cent Set (one per customer, please). BIG 40-Coin Set! ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 15 DAYS

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RECIPE Broiled Tomatoes in Basil Vinaigrette Broiling tomatoes concentrates their natural sugars, making summer AmericanProfi le tomatoes even better.

Vegetable oil for broiler pan 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil 3 bay leaves 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 tomatoes, cut into halves horizontally

1. Preheat broiler. Brush vegetable oil on a broiler pan. 2. Combine olive oil, vinegar, basil, bay leaves, garlic and salt in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Stir until well combined. 3. Place tomato halves cut-sides down directly on broiler pan. Broil until they start to char and blister, about 4 minutes. Using tongs or a spatula and spoon, carefully turn tomatoes over and broil 2 minutes longer. 4. Remove tomatoes from heat and place cut-sides up in the dish with oil and vin- egar mixture. Spoon some of the mixture over tomatoes. Set aside to marinate at least 1 hour, or cover and refrigerate up to 5 days. Serve at room temperature. Serves 6. — Recipe adapted from Farmer John’s Cookbook: The Real Dirt on Vegetables (Gibbs Smith, Publisher, www.gibbs-smith.com, 2006). Nutritional facts per serving: 80 calories, 5g fat, 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates,

MARK BOUGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY/TERESA BLACKBURN STYLING BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY/TERESA MARK BOUGHTON 1g fiber, 55mg sodium. PAGE 4 • AMERICANPROFILE.COM Lena Liu’s Amethyst Vision

A Bradford Hand-Blown Exchange Exclusive! Art Glass Bowl

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A superb value ... satisfaction guaranteed. Strong demand is expected for this fine limited edition. Acquire yours now at issue price with two interest-free payments of $19.97, for a total of $39.95*. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, and is backed by our unconditional, 365-day money-back guarantee. You need send no money now. Don’t risk disappointment. Return the Reservation Application without delay! RESERVATION APPLICATION SEND NO MONEY NOW

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Address This food safe bowl is perfect for: City State Zip w Candy w Flowers 01-08769-001-E57191 w Potpourri *Plus $7.99 shipping and service. Limited-edition presentation restricted to 95 firing days. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product avail- ©2010 BGE 01-08769-001-EI www.bradfordexchange.com/lenabasket ability and order acceptance. Sept. 6-26

HAPPENINGS

ARKANSAS—BPW Barn Sale—Camden, Sept. 25. Shop for arts ALABAMA—Harvest of Quilts—Athens, Sept. 17-19. & crafts at Oakland Farms and view an antique & classic car show View handmade quilts, shop for quilting at Camden Fairview High School during this Camden Business & supplies and bid in a silent auction during Professional Women’s Organization event. (870) 231-6244. this Piece Makers Guild event at Athens State FLORIDA—The Mystery of Irma Vep—St. Petersburg, Sept. 15-Oct. 10. The American Stage Theatre Company presents this Gothic spoof University ballroom. (256) 777-3218. that satirizes several films and plays and features two actors play- ing a dozen roles. Raymond James Theatre. (727) 823-7529. GEORGIA—Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival—Jekyll Island, Sept. 17-19. A shrimp and grits cookoff, shrimp boat tours, cooking demonstrations, book signings, arts & crafts, entertain- ment and a kids zone highlight this event. (877) 453-5955. KENTUCKY—World Chicken Festival—, Sept. 23-26. Enter the wing-eating contest, enjoy the Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Col. Harlan Sanders look-alike contest, and watch chicken fried in the world’s largest known stainless steel skillet. (606) 878-6900. LOUISIANA—Good Ole Days Festival—Marthaville, Sept. 17-18. Delight in Southern gospel music on Sept. 17, and family and school class reunions, a kids area, a parade, school performance groups, a youth music show and country music on Sept. 18. (800) 259-1714. MISSISSIPPI—Seafood Festival—Biloxi, Sept. 11-12. Sample a variety of seafood dishes, and enjoy arts & crafts, a kids village, games, a gumbo contest and live entertainment at the Biloxi Town Green. (228) 604-0014. NORTH CAROLINA—Grandfather Mountain Kidfest—Linville, Sept. 11. Bring your kids to explore the nature and culture of the area, with guided hikes, games, storytellers and music at Grand- father Mountain. (800) 468-7325. SOUTH CAROLINA—Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens— Charleston, Sept. 23-Oct. 24. Take a tour of gardens and private homes, churches and public buildings in neighborhoods dating from the Colonial era to the present. (843) 722-4630. TENNESSEE—Peavine Arts & Crafts Festival—Parsons, Sept. 17-18. Buy arts & crafts, plus enjoy an old-fashioned tent show and dog, art and quilt shows in the downtown area. (731) 847-6358. VIRGINIA—Virginia Air Show—Front Royal, Sept. 11-12. Watch the renowned Flying Circus air show, hot air balloons, and military aircraft and gliders, plus enjoy antique auto and aircraft displays, crafts, food and airplane rides at Front Royal-Warren County Airport. (540) 635-3570. WEST VIRGINIA—AutumnFest—Princeton, Sept. 25. Celebrate the season with live music, a 5K run, a car show, a chili cookoff, carnival rides, children’s activities and food in the downtown area. (304) 487-1502.

Submit Happenings to:         or Happenings, 341 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067 Submissions must be received four months prior to the event. Information is subject to change. Please call before attending.

PAGE 6 • AMERICANPROFILE.COM The Incredible Bark Stopper Stop Annoying Barking! Instant Silence That Irritating Works results! up to Barking the Humane Way! 2 20 PACK! Go from this… …to this! For all sizes feet and breeds away! of dogs!

Mounts on a wall – easy to slide in and out of bracket! Handheld – take it anywhere! IN SECONDS! Save money MSRP $19.98 compared to the HALF PRICE! competition! Buy 1+ get 1 With us, you do NOT $ 99 pay any extra S/H for the FREE Bark-Stopper – it’s FREE! You just pay a small S/H of $4.94 9. FREE! regardless of how many Bark-Stoppers you order. PLUS – BUY 1 You get 1 extra Bark-Stopper FREE and Always compare prices +GET 1 FREE! pay only $9.99 for both! including S/H – we beat the competition! Order ©Copyright 2010 Four Corners Direct, Inc. ©Copyright 2010 Four Ultrasonic solution – not from us and save! audible to the human ear! Fully automatic–no buttons to push! No inhumane shock collars or bracket. Easy to remove from the other painful methods! The Bark bracket when you want to use it Stopper emits a harmless, high- somewhere else. Works up to 20 Design may vary slightly. pitched pulse that is inaudible to feet away! One 9V battery needed human ears, but extremely irritat- (not included). Water-resistant. I An incredibly effi- ing to dogs. The dog soon learns Approx. 4¾” high. Buy several – cient solution to the common barking to avoid the unwanted behavior! one for your home, one for your problem! Train your own dog or even your patio and one for your car! For Deluxe neighbor’s. Features two sensitivity every Bark-Stopper you order, you I Put on a wall or take model with you wherever with wall levels. Comes with a stand for easy get 1 more FREE! Order today, you go – indoors or holder! portability – or slides into the wall directly from us! outdoors! Mail to: Four Corners Direct, Inc, Dept ABL 201, PO Box 390261, El Paso, TX 88539-0261 I Fully automatic – no Order from our secure website! buttons to push! Yes! Please rush me: Item no. 10-1642 Check or money order enclosed Please www.fourcorners.com  (payable to Four Corners Direct, Inc.) print I Barking triggers a Bark-Stopper 2-pack (1+1 FREE) clearly! Enter at checkout to Charge my credit card high-pitched sonic Value Code ABL 201 use this offer One 2-pack (1+1 FREE) for $9.99. Exp. date pulse – audible only to Two 2-packs (total 4) for $19.98. Three 2-packs (total 6) for $29.97. dogs – to stop barking! Or order by mail £ Card# I Send to: Four Corners Direct, Inc., Dept. Four 2-packs (total 8) Amount: Inaudible to the for $39.96. $ human ear! ABL 201, PO Box 390261, El Paso, TX 88539-0261 NAME Add shipping & handling $4.94 per order! I Save when you buy more than one 2-pack! $ 4.94 Humane way to curb Same S/H no matter how many you buy! ADDRESS persistent barking – 90 day return policy! Residents of FL add 7%, and TX add We offer hassle-free exchanges 8.25% sales tax. won’t inflict harm or and returns. If you are not CITY ST ZIP pain! completely satisfied with Please print Total your purchase, simply return clearly! it within 90 days, for any The best ideas and offers, directly to you! E-MAIL Offer not available reason, and your purchase Value Code price (excluding shipping & U.S. orders only. No shipments to Canada. ABL 201 in stores! handling) will be refunded. All measurements approximate. MADE IN AMERICA By Vivian Wagner • PHOTOS BY TODD YARRINGTON Making Merry-Go-Rounds An Ohio company builds revolving works of art TIM GORKA, 54, chisels the “I love what we’re doing,” grew up around the business and now work for finishing touches into a carving says Jones, the company’s the company. “As a child you don’t realize how of an African mountain gorilla, co-owner. “I love everything unique it is,” says Kate Blakley, 33, Ritchie’s cutting intricate lines into the about it. How often do you get daughter, who markets the company’s custom- animal’s wooden body at The to do something that no one ized carousels. “It’s just what your parents do.” Carousel Works in Mansfield, else does?” Now, Blakley’s daughter, Alexa, 6, likes to Ohio (pop. 49,346). Carousel figures begin as hang around the workshop and watch the design “There’s a lot of creative free- blocks of basswood, which are process. “I like it,” she says. “They have a whole dom with the figures,” Gorka says glued together and cut into bunch of different animals.” of his job with the largest manu- basic shapes with a machine. “She likes to paint,” says Blakley of her daugh- facturer of wooden carousels in These shapes are turned into ter. “She says to me, ‘Mom, I’m not going to be on the world. “It’s a lot of fun.” works of art by Gorka, Gran- the computer like you. I’m going to paint.” At a nearby workstation, carver tham, Ritchie and their fellow The final test of carousels comes from cus- Donna Grantham shapes the back carvers. The carved figures tomers who ride them, and invariably, Carousel of a 4-foot caterpillar, digging into then are sanded, primed, paint- Works’ beautiful handcrafted rides are a time- the soft basswood with a metal ed and coated with protective less amusement. tool, periodically brushing away varnish before being mounted J.C. “Buzz” Brenton, a Des Moines, Iowa, wood chips with her hand. on a metal pole and positioned businessman, was instrumental in bringing a “Each one comes out a little Carver Tim Gorka chisels detail on a platform, which is sur- Carousel Works creation to his city’s Heritage into a figure for the world’s largest different, because they’re all wooden carousel manufacturer. rounded by colorful murals, Park. He finds joy in seeing streams of people rid- carved by hand,” says Grantham, mirrors and lights and pow- ing the carousel, with children paying 50 cents 42, who has worked for the company for 12 years. ered by an electric motor. and adults a dollar for the simple pleasure of tak- “Each carver comes up with their own idea, A carousel can take up to a year to build and ing a spin on an old-fashioned merry-go-round. unless the client knows exactly what they want.” can cost as much as $1 million, depending on its “It’s affordable where many things aren’t,” Founded in 1986 by woodcarver Arthur size and complexity of design. Usually, company Brenton says. “Children delight in carousels.” ★ Ritchie, 57, and construction worker Dan Jones, employees are working on several carousels and 61, Carousel Works today employs 28 carvers, restorations simultaneously. Visit www.carouselworks.com for more painters, carpenters, machinists and electrical Ritchie and Jones both have children who information. specialists who build or restore up to five merry- go-rounds each year for amusement parks, ball- parks, zoos and even cruise ships. While half of the revolving rides feature tradi- tional horses, the other half showcase a menager- ie of saddled animals, insects and reptiles, includ- ing anteaters and elephants, frogs and flamingos, ladybugs and leopards, puffins and polar bears. The Carousel Works originally specialized in carousel restorations, and transitioned into build- ing new ones as word of its craftsmanship and expertise spread. The company built its first car- ousel, featuring endangered species from South- east Asia, in 1994 for the Children’s Zoo in Fort Wayne, Ind., and since has built 41 others, includ- ing rides for the Bronx (N.Y.) Zoo and Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals.

The Carousel Works crew builds and restores up to five merry-go-rounds each year for amusement parks and zoos.

PAGE 8 • AMERICANPROFILE.COM Santa & his reindeer really “fly” round and round!

As Santa and his reindeer joyously fly into the Christmas night, the Wonderland Express slowly chug, chug, chugs its way ‘round and ‘round the peaceful little village nestled with Music amongst the snow-kissed evergreen boughs. Now, inspired & Motion! by Thomas Kinkade, the “Wonderland Express Christmas Tree” Masterpiece Edition captures this wondrous night in a very special collectible available exclusively from Hawthorne Village. With four levels of rotating movement—includ- ing Santa and his sleigh—you’ll watch as the Wonderland Express “climbs” ever higher up the tree. With 12 brilliantly illuminated buildings and over 30 figurines, this meticu- lously handcrafted, hand-painted masterwork lavished with a blanket of glitter-touched snow—and playing a beloved medley of holiday carols—is certain to be the ever-so-perfect addition to your holiday decorating. Exceptional value; attractively priced. This delightful Masterpiece Edition can be yours for $149.99*, payable in 4 easy payments of only $37.50, the first due before shipment. Due to intensive handcrafts- manship, this is a limited-time offer and strong demand is expected. Orders are limited to one per customer, so don’t wait to order. Send no money now. Just com- plete and mail the attached coupon today!

® 9210 N. MARYLAND ST., NILES, IL 60714-1322 Limited-time Offer—Please Respond Promptly

Yes! Please enter my order for one Thomas Kinkade “Wonderland Express Christmas Tree” Masterpiece Edition as described in this announcement. I need SEND NO MONEY NOW. Certificate of Authenticity & 365-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Signature

Mrs. Mr. Ms. Name (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)

Address Apt. No.

City

State Zip Limit One Per Customer 14-00328-001-E57105

*Plus $19.99 shipping and service, subject to change. All sales are subject to acceptance and product availability. www.hawthorne.com/tktree Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. ©2008 Thomas Kinkade. ©2008 Hawthorne Village.14-00328-001-EI2 [ cover story ]

Sculptor Marlin

// BY SHARON H. FITZGERALD

BEHIND PROTECTIVE goggles, Marlin Miller’s eyes focus on the tip of his chain saw cut- ting a groove into the trunk of a 500-year-old oak tree in Biloxi, Miss. (pop. 50,644). The muscles in Miller’s arms bulge from the weight of the roaring saw, which sends wood chips flying and sawdust blossoming into fine clouds, cov- ering the sculptor from head to toe and even dusting the teeth behind his smiling face. Despite the strain of his task and the concentra- tion required, a smile is never far from Miller’s lips, especially when the woodcarver is shaping the battered trees along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast into lasting works of art. Ravaged in August 2005 by Hurricane Katrina, the coastline is dotted with fallen trees that once were towering cedars and centuries-old live oaks. The stark trunks that remain are grim reminders of Katrina’s wrath, but to Miller, 49, they are blank canvases. Since 2007, he has transformed nearly 50 tree trunks into dramatic carvings of coastal marine life and, in the process, transformed the spirits of Mississippians. “What I have gotten out of this ride has just been incredible,” says Miller, who donated his time and talents to create an outdoor gallery along ThisThi token gesture a 25-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 90. “It hasn’t been about money.” ffrom me represents a Rebuilding spirits rebuilding of the spirit. While he works, Miller frequently is approached by coastal residents who offer their thanks on —Marlin Miller behalf of their communities. Their words often dis- solve into tears, however, while trying to describe // With his chain saw, Marlin Miller has what the sculptures represent to a region working turned trees ravaged by Hurricane to rebuild. “The emotion, it’s still so strong here, Katrina into works of art in Biloxi, Miss. and then I get all emotional, too,” Miller confides. “PAGE 10 • A M E R I C A N P R O F I L E . C” O M Miller transforms toppled trees and wounded spirits

PHOTOS BY DOUG KEESE

Some strangers try to give him money to help A surprising journey pay his expenses, but when Miller refuses to accept cash, he ends up with gifts of homemade jellies, In late April, Miller put the finishing touches on ceramics, Christmas cards and even a prayer shawl. the last Katrina carving—a sprawling sculpture of “I do all this for free,” he says. “I don’t want to mess dolphin fish, a marlin, turtle and crab, fashioned with the integrity of this project.” from a live-oak trunk on Biloxi’s Town Green. The project’s purpose, he says, is to give back “What Marlin has done for this community is to the people of Mississippi during a time of need, just a godsend,” says city spokesman Vincent Creel, just as they were present for his hometown of Fort 49. “It’s a gift that’s going to give for generations.” Walton Beach (pop. 19,973) when Hurricane Ivan Visitors to Biloxi rank Miller’s sculptures as pounded the Florida Panhandle in 2004. the city’s top tourist attraction. “When we told “Most generations in Mississippi go eight or friends we were coming to Biloxi, everyone nine generations deep,” he explains. “When these said not to miss these carvings,” says Holly people lost a giant tree, it wasn’t just theirs. It was Orgeron, 28, of Crown Point, La., during her something that their great-great-great grandpar- family’s visit. ents played under as children. This token gesture While each carving has mean- from me represents a rebuilding of the spirit.” ing, one is a source of special pride for the artist. Miller’s rendering of Love of the sea a 17-foot eagle was dedicated last spring at Keesler Air Force Base, Raised on a family farm in Manson, Iowa // Miller’s sculptures dot U.S. Highway 90 fashioned from a large oak trunk. (pop. 1,893), Miller is a fourth-generation artist. (above and below) and adorn the grounds The sculpture adorns the entrance of Keesler Air Force Base (right). His grandfather painted wild- of the base’s new commissary, life scenes, as well as most of the where Brig. Gen. Ian Dickinson business signs in their county. lauds Miller’s work as a method of Miller was introduced to the conservation. Gulf Coast while stationed in “We recover, we replant, and the early 1980s at Keesler Air we renew, but not everything that Force Base in Biloxi. There, he passed out of life should be cut developed his love of the sea down and moved on,” Dickinson and, after military service that says. “Let’s celebrate what’s been took him to Hawaii, Europe and left inside those majestic trees that the Middle East, settled in Fort have been here for so very long.” Walton Beach. The artist and For Miller, his Katrina tree his wife, Rene, have five chil- project has been a surprising dren and two grandchildren. journey that began with a single Miller’s carvings cap- carving in Biloxi and kept draw- ture his love of marine life, ing him back. “I’m along for and his works are on display in galleries, res- grinders, chisels and wooden mallets, have the ride,” says the artist, his eyes welling with taurants and the homes of private collectors made the three-hour drive from his home to tears. “I have been driven by something much around the world. In recent years, however, his Biloxi to carve for a few days. Occasionally, the bigger than me.” ★ passion has been to salvage hurricane-whipped truck tows a hydraulic lift to hoist Miller to the trees tagged for removal. Nearly every week, top of the trunks, some of which tower three Visit www.marlinmillergallery.com for Miller and his truck, loaded with chain saws, stories high. more information. AMERICANPROFILE.COM • PAGE 11 SLENDER STRETCH™ INSTANTLY © 2010 VF Jeanswear Limited Partnership SLIMS YOU

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