Parks L. Townsend

(1909-1991) lived in Elizabethton in Carter County
pine carvings, 2002.8.1

Townsend carved numerous objects including his “critters” (on display here), whirligigs (spinning toys), walking sticks and small sculptures. His work is easily recognized as typically having a multitude of spots burned throughout the surface. The Commission has a diverse collection of Townsend’s carved work as well as his carving tools such as rasps and files.

pine carvings, 2002.8.18, 2002.8.21