CONNOQUENESSING TWP — The second annual Butler Chainsaw Invitational started with a roar Friday at the Butler Farm Show grounds.

And the loud roar of the chain saw engines continued throughout the day as 24 world-class chain saw carvers turned white pine logs into pieces of art.

“It's fun showing off what we do,” said Ken Tynan, an organizer of the three-day event, which continues through the weekend.

Tynan of Butler is a professional chain saw artist. He has traveled the world participating in many carving events.

“Everyone always asks what I do, so I figured I'd bring in some of my co-workers,” he said.

However, Tynan is not carving this weekend because he said organizing the event is enough work.

“It constant movement,” he said. “But we know we'll be successful because we have the best carvers out there.”

Tynan organized the event with his childhood friend, Damian Skal.

Skal, who is a nurse with Butler Health System, calls himself a “weekend carver.”

The father of three said he doesn't compete, at least not yet.

“Maybe one day when the family gets a little older,” he joked.

Skal said he got into the art after seeing Tynan compete a couple years ago.

“It's just fast and dynamic,” he said of the cutting.

Tynan said he recruited a fine collection of carvers for the event.

Griffon Ramsey drove three days from Texas to participate.

“I'm carving a British explorer and a genie,” she said.

Ramsey said she loves the atmosphere.

“I love being around all the carvers,” she said. “It's a weird community of funny, interesting people. We're all people from different walks of life, and that shows in our work.”

Ramsey said she grew up in Oregon so she has been around logging and saws all her life.

A couple years ago her husband bought her a chain saw. The passion for the art came shortly thereafter.

Ramsey said she was enjoying her time in Butler.

“It's cute,” she said.

Ragna Reusch-Klinkenberg traveled from Germany.

“I was proud to be invited,” she said. “These are the best carvers I know.”

Reusch-Klinkenberg said she met Tynan a few years ago and the two have become close friends.

She is even staying with Tynan's mother on her three-day trip.

Traveling to the United States to carve is not something she usually does.

“I have a family back home, so I don't do this often,” she said.

Seeing artists from across the country and the globe was a treat for Tim Scott, owner of Scott's Outdoor Power Equipment in Center Township.

“Oh, I love it,” he said of the art. “I hope this event continues to grow larger and larger.”

Scott has become an expert in chain saws over the years, but he has never tried to use the tool for art.

“I would like to try,” he said. “I just haven't had the time,” he added.

Scott said the invitational was good for the farm show grounds.

“It something different that people haven't seen a whole lot of,” he said.

Janet Gill-Schilling, gallery director at The Art Center in Butler, said she was in awe of the carvers.

“I've never seen this before,” she said. “It's amazing to see what they do.”

Gill-Schilling said she was particularly impressed with how fast the carvers can turn a log into art.

“It's fascinating,” she said. “It's fabulous art, although I wouldn't want to handle a chain saw myself.”

The invitational will run until 10 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $7. Children 12 and under can get in free.