Local artist's work can be seen around the world

If there's such a thing as a famous scroll saw, Cecil Little's trusty machine must be one for sure, given all the cool places where the artist's wooden wonders can be found.

"My scroll saw work can be found at Miscrosoft and in the Sears Tower," Little said. "Some of my stuff is in England, too, stuff that people have bought and taken back with them. They'd never seen my type of work over there."

Little proves that saws can churn out more than just projects that are rough, sturdy and useful for a desk or a chair. A saw in the right hands, guided by an artistic eye, can also produce delicate things of beauty.

Little's wooden scenes are like miniature paintings, but instead of brush strokes he's working with wood grains and sanded edges.

"Most of them are actually pictures of golfers or wildlife," he said. "One of my favorites is of John Wayne. I like to show that one to people."

Little will be showing off that piece and a whole lot more Nov. 14-16. That's when his work will be featured at the Old Fashioned Art and Craft Sale sponsored by the Yuma Potpourri Artists. (See inset for details)

The sale will feature 20-30 artists representing arts and crafts of all kinds.

"It's always nice to come out and support the local arts," said Hunter, organizer of the event. "The only reason we have local arts is because people come out and support us. Even if people just want to come out to look and offer their encouragement, that's good for the artists, too."

This first event of the season for the Yuma Potpourri Artists marks a slight change from tradition. The organization used to hold this sale on the day after Thanksgiving.

"That's what we did for 30 years," Hunter said, explaining that event had to compete with popular post-holiday sales. "We're trying something new this year."

The organization's biggest event of the year, though, is the annual Christmas show set for Dec. 5-7 at the Yuma County Fairgrounds.

"That's always a good time for people to buy Christmas gifts, which are one-of-a-kind things that you just don't see at a flea market," Hunter said. "You get a nice variety of real distinctive gifts."

That show also highlights quite a few demonstrations by artists, who are making their arts and crafts right before people's eyes.

"We'll have guys doing wood turning and ladies with their sewing machines," Hunter said proudly. "People always enjoy that."

Little has been making art with his scroll saw for about five years now. Before that the winter visitor from Washington pretty much specialized in making everything from jewelry boxes to furniture. But regardless of the style there's a long list of customers looking to get something from Little's workshop.

"I'm very particular in my work, so when I go home I have a large list of people waiting for me to make something specific," he said.

It's all serious art, but this wood working hobby is also just plain fun for Little.

"You know, when I start working I even lose track of time," he said. "My wife has to remind me to come in and eat. I don't know, I just love it."

The hobby seems to be good for Little, who credits the wood working for keeping him young and active.

"My 80th birthday will be Nov. 18, but I don't feel 80," he said. "I did have a little heart problem this summer, but think they've got that cured and we're in it for the long haul!"


----
Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.
----

Old Fashioned Arts and Crafts Fair

• Sponsored by Yuma Potpourri Artists
• Slated for Nov. 14-16, running 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
• The venue is the lawn of the Heritage Branch Library, 350 3rd Ave.
• For information call Hunter at 345-0242.