Carving a new chapter: Chainsaw Sculpture Series launches in Chatham-Kent with Guinness record dreams
Chatham-Kent mayor Darren Canniff (left) and sculptor Mike Winia with the turtle carving seen in Chatham-Kent, Ont. on June 3, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
A pair of turtles in a canoe has officially kicked off a sweeping public art initiative in Chatham-Kent that organizers say will include at least 15 large-scale wood carvings — and potentially a Guinness World Record-breaking sculpture visible from Highway 401.
Unveiled last week outside Rondeau Joe's Pub near the entrance to Rondeau Provincial Park, the whimsical piece was created by Bothwell-based chainsaw carver Mike Winia, with the help of fellow sculptors Paul and Jacob Frenette of Carver Kings fame.
'This carving is not just a beautiful piece of art — it's a symbol of community pride, partnership and creativity,' said Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff at the unveiling.
'It's interactive, it's joyful, and it sets the tone for what's to come across the municipality.'
Chatham-Kent turtle carving
Turtle carving seen in Chatham-Kent, Ont. on June 3, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
Winia, an internationally recognized wood sculptor, said the turtles are a nod to Rondeau's natural heritage, and each future sculpture will similarly reflect the identity of its host community.
'Those two turtles are representative of Rondeau. They're popular here. There's a lot of turtles, but those two are particularly important to this area,' he said in an interview Tuesday.
'This is going to be a true representation of Chatham-Kent—community by community.'
Chatham-Kent turtle carving
Turtle carving seen in Chatham-Kent, Ont. on June 3, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
Funded through Chatham-Kent's Councillor Ward Funding Program with support from Hydro One, the initiative is intended to blend public art with tourism, giving residents and visitors alike a reason to explore lesser-known corners of the region.
The next sculptures are slated for installation in Wallaceburg and Ridgetown later this month. The full series is expected to be completed by year's end.
But the most ambitious piece may still be on the horizon: A record-breaking sculpture designed to put Chatham-Kent on the map — literally.
'We've got plans for something world-renowned,' said Winia.
'It's big. The idea and the dream are alive and doable. We just need the right people to come together.'
Canniff confirmed the municipality is exploring a major installation along Highway 401 to act as a regional gateway.
'We're still in the planning stages, but we want something really big — something that will make people slow down and realize they're in Chatham-Kent,' he said.
'People drive right through without realizing it. This could change that.'
Chatham-Kent turtle carving
Turtle carving seen in Chatham-Kent, Ont. on June 3, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
Winia said the potential Guinness record bid has already drawn interest from some of the world's top professional carvers.
'As an artist, it really excites me. Not just the art itself — but the project,' he said.
'We want people to be blown away over and over again. That's kind of the plan.'
Canniff said the sculptures are part of a broader arts and culture 'renaissance' in Chatham-Kent, which he hopes will inspire community pride while driving tourism to all corners of the municipality.
'We want people to come here, interact with the art — and with the businesses around it,' he said.
'We have the Barn Quilt Trail… This is going to be something different where are you going to come around eventually and say, 'I want to go to every one of these and get my picture taken with them.' It's going to be pretty exciting here in Chatham-Kent. You'll want to come visit our community.'
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