Regina tree carver looking for big challenges

A Regina sculptor who has previously carved a woman out of a tree is getting ready for a big reveal this weekend.

Denis Chapados is unveiling his carving Morning Dew Saturday in a friend's backyard in the city's elm-filled Cathedral neighbourhood.

It's part of Culture Days, which showcases the arts around the province.

The longtime wood carver wanted to challenge himself by making a living sculpture that's larger than anything he's done before.

He got the opportunity to work on the knotted section of a tree that had seen better days.

He said he took pains not to damage the tree further. It took him 150 hours.

"I have lots of carving at home but I wanted to make something big and pretty," Chapados said.

"My daughter said, 'You should call her Morning Dew.' So I said, 'OK, Morning Dew.' So that's what she is."

People in Regina can check out Chapados's tree carving Saturday at 2169 Retallack St.

Also on display will be other sculptures done by Chapados and art by various Fransaskois artists.

There will also be a performance by Cirque Nova Circus.