MAREK

George Marek is a former Assistant Director of the Horology Department at Gem City College in Quincy, Illinois, where he taught engraving and scrimshaw, jewelry repair, and watchmaking. In 1983, he returned to Westfield, Massachusetts, and opened George Marek Custom Shop, creating detailed engraving and scrimshaw work for custom knife makers, firearm grips, and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. When his eyesight began to limit close-detail work, George transitioned to wood carving and wood turning in 2000. Though now retired, he continues to carve with enthusiasm and dedication. In 2004, George entered a national wildlife woodcarving show sponsored by Woodcraft and Woodcarving Illustrated. Competing in the professional fish division, he won the People’s Choice Award for Rainbow Trout Rising to a Fly. Since then, he has earned multiple blue ribbons, including awards from the Mystic Seaport Woodcarving Show (Connecticut), National Wood Carvers Association shows, the Monson Woodworkers Show, and first place with Agawam Community Artists and Artisans. His work has also been published in Chip Chats magazine by the National Wood Carvers Association. George lives in Westfield, Massachusetts, with his wife, Sandra.