George Berry captures the essence of an animal's character through his carving. A native of Oklahoma, Berry came to Mississippi in 1972 to teach industrial arts at the Piney Woods School. He began carving at the age of seven, influenced by his father's work as a carpenter and an older brother who was a carver. Unlike many other woodcarvers who use a variety of power tools to create their work, Berry does most of his work with a pocketknife. He most often carves wildlife figures, including owls, frogs, eagles, and other animals. He also creates carvings of animals that are important to Mississippi's culture, like hunting dogs and catfish. Although he is now retired, Berry continues to teach, conducting classes at the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi.
		George Berry carving a turtle. George Berry explains the benefits he gets from carving. Get QuickTime™. Audio courtesy of Mississippi Educational Network.

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