When the idea was first introduced to turn an old oak tree into a carved sentry soldier we thought it intriguing but we were amazed to find the finished project so beautiful.  The public art display project, which was facilitated by the Ottumwa Area Arts Council and funded through a $5,000 Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund Grant, has taken a once majestic old oak tree in the Ottumwa Cemetery which was killed by an oak wilt fungas and turned it into a 10 foot high piece of art depicting a Civil War soldier.  The carving was completed by chainsaw sculptor Gary Keenan and took only a few weeks to complete.  This project is a wonderful example of a few creative people taking a negative situation and turning it into a positive that everyone can enjoy!