Russian born, we are trained in and inspired by the rich historic European tradition of fine woodcarving as found in the palaces of the Tsars.

Thoroughly grounded in these classic carving techniques, Leonid has restored many Russian national treasures carving for museums, churches and public buildings. Working together since 1986, Svetlana began doing the finishing of their carvings. In addition to this architectural work and antique furniture restoration, we have designed original pieces for both private and government clients in Russia and for foreign embassies in Moscow. We continue to carry on this kind of work here in America including recently reconstructing the Saint Gabriel Statue from St. Gabriel the Archangel Church in New Orleans badly damaged by hurricane Katrina.

The subject matter of both our private and public clients‚ commissions can be expressed in an unusually broad range of styles from Gothic and Baroque, through Rococo and Art Nouveau, from the highly ornate and complex to the elegant, free-flowing, lyrical expression of beauty. No detail is too small to merit our attention until both we as artists and our client have arrived at a mutual satisfaction with the proposed design, choice of wood and subsequent completed object.

Those unique objects we design for potential sale to connoisseurs of fine art often have as their themes formal floral designs, classic acanthus leaves, shell carvings, vines and scenes from nature incorporated into wall hangings, mirrors, fire mantels and furniture, which make extraordinary additions to their collections.

Our technical expertise and dedication to an unusually high level of excellence was refined during years of study. Leonid holds a degree as a Master Woodcarver and Restorer of Antique Furniture from Stroganov College of Artistic Design in Moscow and Svetlana holds a M.A. in Cultural Studies as well as a certificate in Interior Design.

With our reputation well established in Russia, in 1999 we came to America where Leonid was granted a Visa based on his rare status of „extraordinary ability „ in his craft. Among our many new American awards were 14 First Places in the Annual International Wood Carvers Congress Exhibitions, 3 Best Carving Awards at the Annual Northern Woods Exhibitions of Fine Woodworking in Minnesota, Best of Show and Second Running at the Artistry in Wood in Dayton, OH.

Examples of our work which can be seen in public locations include United John Nasseff Heart Hospital in St. Paul, Brit‚s Pub in Minneapolis, University Club in Milwaukee, Lowell Inn in historic Stillwater, Minnesota, The Church of St. Louis, King of France in St. Paul and a recently installed Art Nouveau walnut bar in Manhattan, New York.

- International Federation of Artists UNESCO
- National Wood Carvers Association
- American Craft Council

2005
"Best of Show" and four 1st Place Awards at the 2005 Artistry in Wood, Dayton, OH

2004
Three 1st Place Awards at the 38th Annual International Woodcarvers Congress, Davenport, IA

2003
"Flexcut Creativity Award", "Peoples Choice Award" and three 1st Place Awards at the 37th Annual International Woodcarvers Congress, Bettendorf, IA

2002
Four First Place Awards at the Minnesota State Fair

Two First Place Awards at the International Woodcarvers Congress, Davenport,IA

2001
"Best Carving" Award , 19th Annual Northern Woods Exhibition of Fine Woodworking, Edina, MN view more info

Three 1st Place Awards at the 35th Annual International Wood Carvers Congress, Davenport, IA

2000
"Best Carving" Award 18th Annual Northern Woods Exhibitions of Fine Woodworking, Edina, MN view more info

Four 1st Place Awards at the 34th Annual International Wood Carvers Congress, Davenport, IA

1999
"Best Carving" Award , 17th Annual Northern Woods Exhibition of Fine Woodworking, Edina, MN view more info

Two 1st Place Awards at the 33rd Annual International Wood Carvers Congress, Davenport, IA

Peter Paces

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To contact us, please click here: info@zakurdayevfinewoodcarving.com