Recently Project Freedom at Hamilton trimmed its trees of excess branches. Normally this refuse would be ground up into chips or disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.
Vincent “Vinnie”‘ Chiavonia, an original tenant of the 21-year-old complex, saw these branches in a different light–a more artistic light.
Vinnie received permission to take the branches, and he went to work with his hands to create wall decorations and bigger carvings.
“I started painting in 1977,” said Vinnie, “but started carving after I moved in here in 2001. I stopped for a while, but my Mom urged me to start up again. I recently started on small logs.”
Vinnie finds carving and painting very relaxing.
