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.
