There used to be three large tree stumps in the Pow Wow Inn’s courtyard near the swimming pool. Now, thanks to Las Cruces artist Richard L. Gonzales, a large head of an American Indian chief, a family of bears and two American Indian braves adorn the courtyard. Gonzales, using a small electric cutting tool, has transformed the three large stumps into art. “Mostly what I do is on private property in public view,” Gonzales said. “I’ve carved 41 tree stumps in Las Cruces. The southwest is my main theme but I can carve anything. I carved a six-foot tall eagle in a Las Cruces Park. People in Las Cruces use my works as landmarks when giving directions.” Alfred Lucero, general manager of the Pow Wow, said the inn’s owners saw pictures of Gonzales’ work and decided to let him have a shot at the stumps. “All three owners are happy with the work he has done,” Lucero said. “All our guests have really enjoyed seeing him work. One man spent an hour and a half watching him carve.” Gonzales charges $120 per foot of height to carve a tree stump. He was not sure what kind of monetary value he could put on the finished works because they are rooted in the ground. “I figure that by the time I die , they’ll be worth a lot of money, “ Gonzales said. “Right now I take pictures of the works to prospective customers and I can set a price by the number of works I’ve already done. The three works here at the Pow Wow are numbered 159, 160 and 161. Gonzales carved his first tree stump in Tucumcari back in 1992. “My brother asked me to carve a tree stump in his yard and I’ve been carving tree stumps ever since.” From stump to sculpture: For more information about Gonzales and his stump carving service contact him at: 526-8252