PHOTOS: Hopkins Hill Welcomes Chainsaw Sculptor Michael Higgins

On the morning of September 15, students and faculty from Hopkins Hill Elementary School welcomed Michael Higgins, a local sculptor who creates his works of art from tree trunks and pieces of wood.

Higgins told the students about how he never cuts a tree down unless he has to and always plants a new one when he does. He talked about respecting your tools (the chainsaws) and the importance of learning and retaining knowledge. "Be respectful, responsible and safe," he said.

Higgins, who has performed at various art shows, schools and libraries around the state has also been hired by numerous residents to create sculptures in their yards. He was also asked to create one for the Roger Williams Park Zoo and told the students all about having to research camels at the library before sculpting one.

When he began working on the Hopkins Hill sculpture, the students weren't sure of what the final product would be and Higgins asked them to use their imaginations to try and guess. After it was complete, he explained that the red book held by the husky was a symbol for knowledge. The sculpture is one side of a bench that Higgins is building for the school.

Download the movie