A new, uniquely hand-built gallery, the Cord Wood Gallery, is now open in Bremen. The gallery features traditional folk carvings by Daniel Strawser Sr., a folk artist originally from Berks County, Pa.

Strawser began carving in 1969 after taking a local Pennsylvania history class. He was intrigued by the old carvings he saw there. Using only a pocket knife, as the old Pennsylvania Dutch carvers of the 19th century did when they traded their carvings for room and board, is how he carves today. Now his work is collected all over the country and appears in many museums.

The Cord Wood Gallery was a dream of Dan’s wife, Donna, for many years. In August 2011, construction started when the couple had a huge oak tree removed from the yard. Donna insisted on saving some of the wood to build the gallery. With the help of family members and friends, the gallery was completed in April 2014. Not only are the carvings pieces of art, but the gallery itself is art and compliments the carvings.

Strawser’s pieces include animals, birds on branches of sassafras, Santas, elves, and other figures, but his favorite pieces to carve are eagles.

Learn more about the artist and the gallery at www.danielstrawser.com, and on Facebook. Gallery hours are posted on the Facebook page daily and appointments are welcomed. Call the Cord Wood Gallery at 207-529-2109.

The Cord Wood Gallery is located at 1011 Biscay Road, Bremen.