(A reproduction casting from a handmade carving by Peter Engler) Height: 5" Width: 4"
Jesus, Light of the World
Darkness is part of nature, part of our world. It is hard to live in the dark, we cannot see what surrounds us. We cannot see the right path to follow on life's journey.
Light brings clarity and understanding, life and growth. It enables us to see the glories of nature.
Jesus brought light to a dark world.
He goes ahead with a light that illuminates the right path.
Still we sometimes get confused.
In that case, follow the light.
Artist: Peter Engler
Born September 7, 1932 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Peter Engler began discovering his artistic gifts of drawing and carving at the age of 10. Peter joined the Marine Corps in 1951 and amongst the rigorous routines of the Korean War, Pete would use the little down time he had, pull out his pocketknife, and carve one of his whimsical little people. Taken from a letter written to his mother, he wrote, “a couple of nights ago people were running around handing out ammo and hand grenades, and our reserves came up in trucks – but nothing happened and we are now back to the usual routine. I’m going to try carving an “Oakie” or a Hill-Billy. Love, Pete”
In 1962, he and his wife Virginia moved to Branson, Missouri from his mother’s art and gift shop in Lakeview, Arkansas and established Mountain Woodcarvers Shop at Silver Dollar City. As an artist, Pete began to establish himself as a national figure for woodcarving and expresses versatility with his whimsical carvings, life-sized Indians, Santas and more. Along with woodcarving, Pete began to build the foundations needed for the arts and crafts in the budding community of Branson, MO. The Ozarks became home for Pete and his family.
Since the 1960’s, Pete has owned and operated woodcarving shops of his own in Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. He purchased a warehouse that he re-designed and established as Engler Block, a mall of working artisans demonstrating their arts and crafts. He also co-founded the National Festival of Craftsman and originated Silver Dollar City’s Fall Arts and Crafts Festival, which has been an annual event since 1961.
Today you can find Pete at his woodcarving shop Peter Engler Designs at the Grand Village in Branson, Missouri. He is now devoting his time to carving his beloved Santas. Peter says he will continue living by the operating principle that has served him well all these years: “It’s OK to be slow if you’re also stubborn.”
