Photos by Kalvin D. Perron
Bay Mills member Jim “Jimmy Sticks” LeBlanc began carving six months ago to find a way to pass the time, other than watching television. LeBlanc said he learned to use hand tools when he was 6 years old, from his Grandpa Willie.
“My grandfather told me everything has music in it,” he said. “He showed me how to use hand tools and showed me his music.”
LeBlanc's latest project is the carving of a crane, which is an enlargement of a previous carving. He is pictured above with the work-in-progress and the original.
Below, are examples of LeBlanc's work. Crafted from materials left over from the renovation of his house in Marionette, Wisc., the carvings depict shape shifters, wolves, drummers, turtles and other wildlife.
LeBlanc gives his carvings away to people, upon completion. The large crane carving will be given to his father, William “Unca Bun” LeBlanc for possible donation to Bay Mills Resort and Casino.
