Father-son business Carves Legacy through bears

For a quarter century, Frank Cavoli Sr. has steadily carved a legacy of jolly looking bears. The keepsake wooden items are chiseled out of local pines and displayed prominently at his studio located off exit 27 along the Northway. A few years ago, his son, Frank Jr., decided he wanted to join the family business. Sculptures By Frank has been a staple of the North Country since it was established in the 1990s. A studio south of Schroon Lake on U.S. Route 9 serves as the duo's creative shelter. Frank Sr., 62, has had a knack and passion for art since he was a youngster. On a break from carving at the studio, he recently recalled moving up to the Adirondacks from downstate, where he worked in the construction industry. "Frankie was just born, and I started to carve pine logs with a Sawzall," he said with his endearing New York accent. "And then I started to use an electric chainsaw and making abstract (art)." At a key junction along the way, as he tells it, somebody said he should carve a replica of the animal defined by its thick hair and growl. "I've been making bears ever since," Frank Sr. said. Over the years, he has traveled far and wide to promote his work. He's been recognized at venues in places including Saratoga Springs and New York City. The location of the shop on the heavily-trafficked road has helped generate steady business. Frank Sr. said he estimates the company has made roughly 40,000 bears. Sure, say the Cavolis, there are other bear carvers out there. But what makes his bears unique are their jovial faces. A priority is to keep the chainsaw art affordable. For instance, smaller carvings can be purchased for around $35 — happy bears shouldn't be a privilege of the wealthy, he said. The studio is located next to the Paradox Brewery and across from the Moutainside Bible Chapel. Rows of the finely carved objects are an essential attribute to the character of the busy corridor off the Northway. Frank Sr. said a good chunk of business over the years has come from tourists and visitors to the Word of Life facilities in Schroon Lake. Local residents also make up a healthy part of the customer base. The business also carves items including moose, eagles, flamingos and chairs. We do "a little bit of everything," Frank Sr. said. Eye on the future Frank Jr., 29, has a passion to expand the reach of the business via modern technologies. The company has launched www.sculpturesbyfrank.com and consistently updates its Facebook site. The SUNY Adirondack graduate said he's excited to be a part of the tradition. "When you're born into a business like this ... you either accept it or reject it. It took a long time to accept it, but here I am," Frank Jr. said. "The second generation is huge. I'm very moved by that," Frank Sr. said. The father said the company will remain true to the core of what established it as a premiere craft maker: knowledge of the Northeast corridor business terrain and an eye for finding excellent raw materials. The quick access to Adirondack pines helps the Cavoli shop crank out materials and sell them for more competitive prices than could be found in some other places, Frank Sr. said. "We hunt around for most of our wood to keep pricing really fair for the people."

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Father-son business Carves Legacy through bears

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