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World's top chainsaw carvers compete in Libby

SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 2 weeks AGO
by SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
Hagadone News Network | September 16, 2025 7:00 AM

Another Clash of the Carvers is in the books and attendees are still talking about the creativity and remarkable talent of the artists and their creations.

Several hundred people attended the four-day festival, held at the end of Mineral Avenue in Libby. 

Carvers included Marina Cole, Ryan Villiers, Brigitte Lochhead, Dennis Beach, Zoe Dussia, Mark Colp, Denny Henson, Emil Szkipala, Taylor White, Alex Pricob, Sam Bowsher, Steven Higgins, Bongo Love, Adrian Bois, George Dorjsuren, Lisa Doeren, Micky Grayum, Rachel Mirth, Jenna Whiting, Bruce Thorthinstein and Robby Bast.

The winners of the 2025 event were all new as no one repeated from 2024.

Dorjsuren was the Carver’s Choice winner and he also claimed first place. He carved a horse with its rider holding an eagle.

Sam Bowsher’s two bobcats and a hare earned him second place while Ryan Villiers’ trio of bighorn rams earned him third and People’s Choice.

Brigitte Lochhead’s Kokanee salmon was good for fourth place and she was also named the top female carver. 

Joe Dussia’s carving of two bald eagles placed fifth.

    The carving team of Jamie and Lisa Doeren showed off their display of creations at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 
    Kansas chainsaw carver Rachel Mirth works on one of her creations at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 
    Chainsaw carver Ryan Villiers works his way through a bighorn sheep carving at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 


    Lisa Doeren works on a carving at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 
    Chainsaw carver Marina Cole works on one of her creations at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 
    A wide array of chainsaw carvings were on display at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 


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