Library Guest Artists

The Canton Public Library welcomes Don Raines and Zalán Robertson as Guest Artists for the month of November. Their wildlife wood carvings will be on display throughout the month. All are invited to meet Don and Zalán at an opening reception on Thursday, November 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. A Gallery Talk will take place at 6:15 p.m.
Don Raines began carving in 1981 to prove to his wife that he couldn’t do it. Now, Don is well-known regionally and has exhibited and sold his artwork across the United States. Don has always liked birds and working with his hands, and says that carving is the “best nerve-tonic I have.” In 2021, Don met ten-year-old Zalán Robertson, who had a desire to learn to carve. For four years, Zalán has been practicing carving with Don as his mentor and has become an accomplished carver himself. One of Zalán’s favorite carvings is that of a Great-crested Grebe, a bird he often sees when visiting Hungary. He is excited about showcasing this bird, and many of his other carvings, at the library.
When not carving, Zalán is completing his coursework for his school in Hungary, participates in the American Birding Association’s Young Birder of the Year Mentoring Program, and spends as much time outdoors as possible. “Juggling all these activities is not always easy,” says Zalán,”but carving is my peaceful escape. I always feel much better after a woodcarving session with Don, even if I sometimes carve not only the wood, but sometimes my hand.”
All are welcome to attend the Guest Artist Reception and Gallery Talk on Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 PM. The library is located at 403 Lewis Street in Canton.  Visit the library at www.cantonmopubliclibrary.org, on Facebook at Your Canton Library, or
call 573-288-5279 for more information.