THE LI WOOD CARVERS SHOW


Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Joe Cella In The Florida Keys





By Bill Russo

I remembered reading about the Joe Cella Award presented to an
outstanding wood carver by the LIWCA. I saw Joe's  name on a ribbon at an
art show at the Key Largo Public Library. He must have done some good
things down here as both a wood carver and as a good person. An artist
had painted an ostrich egg with scenes from the Keys and was awarded a
prize. I then went into the library itself because there was a wood egret
done by him.
Pictures are attached. I thought you might enjoy seeing
these. Bill

Joe Cella was a well-known and well-liked artist who specialized in woodcarvings of birds in nature.  He was born in Long Island, New York in a home that his grandfather built.  He became an apprentice for a furniture maker when he was a teenager. Then he attended college and later taught shop and wood working to high school students. Joe was a member of The Long Island Woodcarvers Association for many years.
 He retired to the Florida Keys continuing his love of art with full time carving of birds found in our natural surroundings.  He was nationally known for his art; most known for staining each piece carefully so that the natural wood grain could show through. Joe was a wonderful gentleman as well as an outstanding artisan. You may view one of his "birds" which is on permanent display at the Key Largo Library.