By Dan Walton

Pioneer Staff

Since opening shop in 2011 at the intersection of Athalmer Road and Highway 93/95 (beside Tim Hortons), Cross Roads Collective has grown to include 40-plus woodcraft artists. With more on the way, the artisan woodwork gallery will be celebrating its prosperity with a party during its third anniversary on Saturday, May 17th.

Weve expanded to house more artists and we have increased our specialties to include custom timber work, log work, and artisan-quality custom signage, said co-owner Jesse Blakley.

Its likely that some of the Cross Roads artists will be at the party, and its definite that their hand-made carvings, sculptures and many other woodcraft art forms will be on full display. And some of those sculptures will be created on site, with duelling chainsaw demonstrations by Kyle Burley and Jessie Blakley.

Its my favourite avenue to be loud and obnoxious, she laughed.

Guests will be reminded theyre in the west with a Cross Roads cowboy theme, and singer-songwriter Cody Hollick will be performing festive music. Ms. Blakley said the assortment of country decor items will be accompanied by free cowboy drinks and appetizers provided Michelle Byrne of The Travelling Apron.

We want to celebrate our anniversary its an accomplishment for us and all of the talented artists who have made the gallery such a success, she said. And it is a great excuse to throw a party!