JOHN GALLAGHER – A Masterful Craftsman
John Gallagher was born in Wickenburg, Arizona in 1965. John comes from a long history of wood carvers: he is a third generation wood carver. John was his father's apprentice at the age of 5 years. His father Ralph Gallagher has since passed on and he was proud to see his son's & grandson's learn the trade of woodcarving & continue this unique skill.
Gallagher’s Ancestors:
Frank & John Gallagher's ancestor, one of the first wooden Indian carvers, started carving his Indians in the 1840's. His great, great grandson Frank is known to be one of approximately 12 true full-blooded Man-Dan Indians still living. Unfortunately, the Man-Dan village was infected by small pox which practically wiped out the entire tribe. John and Frank's ancestors however, were away from the village at the time, working for a furniture maker. The furniture maker's name was Samuel Gallagher. Following the custom of Indian laborers of that era, Frank took his employer's last name as his own. One of the original Wooden Indians are on display in the Smithsonian Institute. The Gallagher’s continue the art of carving as their ancestor would want it; the old way - the right way - by hand. Aspen wood from Colorado is the preferred raw material for the creations of the Gallagher’s.
John’s carvings are in numerous galleries all over the southwest, such as the Bischoff Shades of the West Gallery and Bischoff’s Gallery (at the park) in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona.
John and his brother Frank have continued with their family craft.
…The Gallagher's were featured in the Arizona Highways Magazine in June 1998.
…John has earned re-known for his public carvings, such as the 7 foot World War 2 soldier in front of the American Legion in Wickenburg, Arizona (1997).
…John Gallagher has received awards and honors in recognition of his carvings. Most recently, the Wickenburg Fire Department thanked John for his donation of an Indian mask for their yearly fund raiser.
…John annually volunteers for the Morristown Elementary Art Show, having students carve soap with him.
John Gallagher is a master wood carver. He has been carving for 45 years, since he was 5 years old. Johns carves all kinds of characters from wooden Indians, cowboys, cowgirls, totem poles, policemen, firemen, doctors, and even lawyer complete with a powdered wig.
His carvings can be customized with different colors, shapes and sizes.
