The Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival returns for its second run as it looks to honor the legacy of its titular artist.
The festival honors the legacy of Harry Whitehorse, a Ho-Chunk Indigenous artist who died in 2017. It was founded by Whitehorse’s wife, Deb, and his mentee Gene Delcourt as the two wanted to keep his name alive. The festival invites artists from around the world for a week to craft wood sculptures that will later be donated all over Monona.
“It does bring a lot of attention to Harry’s work. I was always nervous because you just weren’t hearing his name anymore,” Delcourt said. “I want his art to live on, because he was one of my big inspirations.”
Whitehorse was a longtime artist born in 1927 near the Indian Mission in Black River Falls. His journey as an artist began at an early age as an apprentice to his uncle George Seymour, a silversmith, carver and artist.
He served in World War II where he used the opportunity to see art museums around the world. Whitehorse’s art disciplines have been in metals; cars, especially from the shop he owned, Chief Auto Body, painting, and one of his most notable ventures in woodworking.
His wood carvings of birds are known for their meticulous process, where Whitehorse would carve out every single feather.
Delcourt met Whitehorse when he was in graduate school. He wanted to carve wood, but no one at the University of Wisconsin’s art department was really focused on that area at the time. He was encouraged to reach out to Whitehorse, who would mentor Delcourt.
Delcourt had the idea to bring a wood carving festival to the area for around 30 years. In 2022, he attended a symposium in Germany and discussed the idea with his wife on the flight home. They figured, if they don’t do it now, then they probably never would.
At the same time, Delcourt had a growing concern over keeping Whitehorse’s legacy alive. He reached out to Deb, and the two then spoke with then Monona City Council member and now Mayor Nancy Moore.
“He’s got so many public sculptures across Madison, so when Gene came up with this idea, it was a lightbulb that went off and said, ‘Wow. That’s the answer,’” Deb said. “I think the first one was successful, and hopefully that momentum carries us to an even greater success.”
This festival is different from others Delcourt has attended around the world. Delcourt and Deb “didn’t want to pull any punches” and packed the week with activities.
Instead of having artists rent canopies to stay in, they wanted to be true to Whitehorse and Ho-Chunk culture. Wigmams are made for artists instead.
Food is another big effort. The two wanted the entire festival to feel like a community, so meals are eaten as a big group around the greater area.
The artists also get a taste of Madison’s vibrant arts scene with tours of public works across greater Madison and a bus ride to see many of Whitehorse’s works.
“It’s really unique, and for many, especially the artists coming from Europe, Indian things are very, very intriguing,” Delcourt said. “They love seeing that and getting to meet Native people, and to work with some.”
The Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival will be held June 19-27 at San Damiano Park, 4123 Monona Dr. It will be held all day, every day. No registration is required; it is free to attend.
Delcourt encourages people to stop by each day throughout the festival for at least a little bit to see how the sculptures progress.
