Spring Trunk Show III: Tree Trunk Treasures

Wood wizard Virgil Leih returns to the Arboretum on Wednesday, April 13 with a new collection of exquisite full tree turnings. "Tree Trunk Treasures," the third annual showing of Leih's works at the Arboretum, showcases more than 40 new pieces by the Edina artisan. This time the pieces are smaller - between 10 and 18 inches - and range in shape from spheroids to ellipsoids - some closed, some open - and all precisely "turned" on Leih's lathes to bring out the hidden beauty of the wood grain. The works are created from Minnesota woods otherwise destined for landfill wood chippers and include maple, hackberry, ash, honey locust, walnut, oak and birch.

Each work is a personal masterpiece of Nature's creation. "I love the full circle of grain that is revealed when the whole tree trunk is turned on the lathe. It's aways the whole circle - one piece of wood - no glue. I celebrate the natural beauty of the whole tree," said Leih, a resident of Edina.

"Every object of art I produce is already hidden inside the tree trunk waiting to be revealed and enjoyed," Leih says. "It is such a privilege to reveal what is inside unseen."

Leih will offer "artist tours" from 1 to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday during the exhibit which runs through Sunday, May 8. 

All art is for sale through the Arboretum Gift Store and a portion of proceeds benefit the Arboretum.