Carver-in-residence

Steven Valleau has been Carver-in-Residence at the Wendell Gilley Museum since 1985.  A keen birder since boyhood, Valleau earned a biology degree from the University of Maine at Orono and Indiana University. As a senior however, his true vocation was revealed by several art courses. Encouraged by art and ornithology professors, he decided to become a professional bird carver. Sought after as both an artist and a teacher, Valleau has taught students of all ages and created carvings that range from miniature shorebirds to life-size great blue herons. His works are in many private and public collections. The façade of the Gilley Museum features a series of bas-reliefs depicting seven native bird species, which Valleau created for the 15th anniversary of the Museum. Inside the Museum, visitors can see his latest works and works-in-progress, or even learn to carve under his wing. Learn more about Steven by reading an interview with him posted on The Birdlist.