“The Immigrant” figure © 1989 Virgil McClelland “The Immigrant” figure © 1989 Virgil McClelland

Gold Medals In: Knifemaking, 2000 and Woodworking, 1999

  • Life Dates Born 1932, Menomonie, Wisconsin
  • Occupation 3M Corporation
  • Residence at Time of Award Menomonie, Wisconsin

Ribbons

  • 1985 Blue ribbon for a mangletre
  • 1985 White ribbon
  • 1989 White ribbon for “The Immigrant” carved figure
  • 1990 White ribbon for “Harley” carved figure
  • 1991 White ribbon for a mirror frame
  • 1997 White ribbon for a knife with birch and antler handle
  • 1998 Red ribbon for an “8 1/2” knife and sheath with yellow birch and walrus tusk
  • 1998 White ribbon
  • 1999 White ribbon for “Norwegian Packhorse Going Downhill” carved figure
  • 1999 White ribbon for a knife with ebony and ivory handle
  • 2000 Blue ribbon for a knife with ebony and ivory handle

Artist Statement

Virgil learned to carve from his Norwegian father-in-law, Ed Eiseth. He has been carving for about 60 years. Over the years, he has taken several classes at Vesterheim from teachers from Norway and from Harley Refsal.

Any day that Virgil can’t carve is day that he feels is a wasted day. Carving is a big part of his life and it’s who he is. He, of course, does everything by hand with no power. He does all of his carving in the living room. He does acanthus, relief, chip, flat plane, and in the round—all things Norwegian.

Virgil had a piece on tour in Norway for a year and in several countries and in almost every state, even Alaska. Virgil has also helped many people start carving and they have gone on to be very good carvers themselves. He also makes all of his own carving knives.

In 2000, Virgil took first place, best of show, and people’s choice, while also receiving a Blue Ribbon and his Gold Medal with a knife carved in ivory and ebony. He took first and second with two other knives before 2000. The knives he makes in his own shop. He does everything but the blades. Most of the blades he uses are made by Håvard Bergland.

Winning a Gold Medal is not an easy thing. It requires a lot of hard work and not giving up, because you know that deep down, you can do it. You just have to keep trying and do it your way, because it is well worth the effort.

Al Amundson and Jack Thompson of Decorah have been such a huge help in so many ways to Virgil over the years.

2008