Chain Saw Artist Creates Patriotic Tribute In Tulsa's Veterans Park

By Michael Blair, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Clayton Coss enjoys making art of something that might otherwise become firewood. The chain saw wood sculptor has that opportunity in Tulsa's Veterans Park, thanks to a grant by the Helmerich Foundation and Park Friends.

Coss is transforming a tree that fell victim to an ice storm a year ago into a patriotic tribute to U.S. veterans.

"It's an oak tree that was damaged in the ice storm of '07 - it's hollow," he said. "I did a design to fit in with the park. There will be an eagle, and a flag, a soldier - and a lot of other things. It will all come together. It's very patriotic."

Coss said he uses everyday chain saws as well as a special saw designed for carving.

"Hopefully it will take something that wasdefinitely destined for firewood at best and make it something that a lot of people hopefull will appreciate it, enjoy it and - hopefully - be inspired when they see it," he said.

Coss expects to be working on the sculpture through early October, so Tulsans have a chance to be inspired by the artist as well as his art at Veterans Park, 21st and Boulder.