Featured Artists: Dwight and Jaleen Vance

Dwight and Jaleen Vance share their time between Dwight’s roots in Texas and Jaleen’s childhood in Escalante. Indeed, during the summer months, you can find them just a stone’s throw from the ECAF tents, carving intricate wood pieces in Jaleen’s childhood home.

Dwight was introduced to carving by Boulder resident Larry Davis in the summer of 2001. Dwight enjoyed it so much that he encouraged Jaleen, and she began carving the following year. They found a club in Austin, Texas, to join, which holds weekly meetings and offers seminars throughout the year with a variety of teachers covering different subject matters in various locations. Each show includes one day for displays to be judged with ribbons and certificates as awards. The Vances have earned dozens of awards for their creations.

Dwight enjoys carving characters and birds. He is currently working on a snake cane and a Santa. Each year, he carves a new Santa for Jaleen in time for Christmas. She now has a large collection.

Jaleen prefers relief and wood burning. She has recently begun carving in the round and last summer carved several spoons. She is currently working on a Santa. They have each inundated friends and family with wooden gifts.