Gerry Holzman Follow

Gerry Holzman has been a professional woodcarver since 1971, a carousel restorer since 1976, and a collector of New York State folklore since seventh grade. He learned his woodcarving trade by studying in England with the late Gino Masero, one of England’s 32 master carvers. During his career, Gerry has restored over 100 pieces of antique carousel art and has created approximately 250 pieces of original carousel carving. He was the head carver and executive director of the Empire State Carousel Project. This project, which features the work of over 1000 craftspeople throughout New York State, culminated in the creation of a full-size, operating merry-go-round—a truly unique machine that is entirely based on the theme of New York State’s history and culture. Aptly described as “a museum you can ride on,” the carousel is on permanent display at the Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown, New York. He has taught at the Herschell Carousel Museum, the Adirondack Folk School, the Farmers’ Museum, and the 92nd Street Y. He has also been an artist-in-residence in Portland (ME) Public Schools, the Charleston (SC) Creative Arts School, and numerous Long Island public schools. He has written two books: Us Carvers, a memoir of sorts; and The Empire State Carousel, a lavishly illustrated guidebook to his extraordinary merry-go-round, and now lives in Brunswick, Maine.