Scholz Offers Behind-the Scenes
Look at ‘The Golden Eagles’

The Rochester Public Library’s Sunday Summer Lecture series will conclude this Sunday, Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. with a presentation by world renowned bird carver Floyd Scholz. Due to the size of the anticipated crowd, the program will be held in Fellowship Hall of the Rochester Federated Church, with a reception immediately following.

Scholz, who lives part-time in Hancock, will give a behind the scenes look at his new book, "The Golden Eagles." The book is a unique peek at the creative process that results in incredibly lifelike carvings. Signed copies of the book will be available at the event.

Scholz will talk about his travels studying birds in the wild and the process of turning those images into his works of art. He will also exhibit some of his recent work.

Universally recognized as one of the preeminent woodcarvers and painters in the world, Scholz is now in his 38^th year of carving. He is also an author, teacher and musician.

In the late 1970s, Scholz was a nationally ranked track and field star, specializing in the decathlon. After winning the 1979 NCAA Decathlon championship, he cast his competitive eye towards the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. The Carter boycott prevented this dream from becoming a reality and, needing a change of focus, he packed up his belongings and moved up to Vermont.

As a professional bird carver, Scholz’s portrayals of eagles, hawks, owls and other large birds have won him an international following. As the author of five award-winning books on the art form, his in-depth knowledge of birds, especially raptors, and bird carving and painting techniques, combined with his teaching style, have enabled him to influence a whole generation of wildfowl carvers and artists.

Scholz shares his love of birds and passion for art with students from around the world through his carving and painting seminars at the Vermont Raptor Academy.

Scholz’s sculptures are consistent top award winners at major shows throughout the United States and Canada and command prices up to $300,000 from collectors worldwide. He and his carvings have been featured in Smithsonian, Forbes, Yankee, Birder’s World, People Magazine, Guitar Player, Vermont Life and many other publications.

Scholz and his wife, Beatriz, divide their time between homes in Florida, South America, and Hancock.

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