FORT PAYNE, Ala. (July 30, 2025)– When students return to Geraldine K-12 School the first week of August, they’ll be greeted by a powerful new presence: a life-sized wood sculpture of two bald eagles guarding their nest. The work of regional wood sculptor Steve Baumgartner, the piece is on loan from Boom Town Makers Market in Fort Payne, where it has resided since its creation.

This unique educational initiative is the result of a collaboration between Geraldine School Principal Robert Richey and Boom Town Makers Market gallery owner Darlene Rotch. Earlier this summer, the two began discussing how students might benefit from exposure to the sculpture—both as a work of art and as a gateway to learning about North Alabama’s wildlife, conservation, and the symbolic power of the bald eagle.

“Our school is fortunate to serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade,” said Principal Richey. “This allows us to explore the sculpture through multiple lenses—our younger students might create eagle-inspired art projects, while older students can dive deeper into conservation, ecology, and the symbolic role of eagles in American history.”

The sculpture, carved from reclaimed wood, features two bald eagles protectively perched on a nest—symbolizing strength, stewardship, and the natural heritage of the region. Eagles are among the most iconic raptors in North Alabama and are frequently seen soaring over Bucks Pocket State Park, Guntersville Lake, and the Tennessee River corridor. Once endangered, bald eagles have made a significant comeback due to concerted conservation efforts, making them an ideal focal point for interdisciplinary learning.

Baumgartner, known for his large-scale wildlife carvings, was eager to support the effort. “Anytime my work can help connect kids to nature, it’s meaningful,” he said. “This isn’t just about wood and tools—it’s about how art can lead to a deeper understanding of the world around us. Wood sculpting is a family affair. My daughter, Alonna, a tenth-grade student at Fort Payne High School, helps paint what I sculpt. We enjoy working together seeing a finished product.”

The eagle sculpture will be unveiled at Geraldine K-12 School’s Open House on Tuesday, August 5, at 5 p.m. It will remain on display in a prominent area of the school where all students will have regular access to it, from August 5 to September 26.

Rotch, who started Boom Town Makers Market in 2016 to showcase local and regional art, said the sculpture’s tour is a testament to how community partnerships can enrich education. “This is a perfect example of how the arts intersect with science, wildlife education, and creative thinking. It’s a chance for students to see how disciplines connect in the real world.”

About Geraldine School K-12 Geraldine School K-12 is located at 13011 Hwy 227, Geraldine, AL and is part of the DeKalb County Alabama School System. (256) 659-2142. https://ghs.dekalbk12.org/

About Steve Baumgartner A native of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Steve spent his youth outdoors hunting, fishing, and working on the family farm. He graduated from Michigan Tech University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and moved to the South in 2001. He lives on Lookout Mountain with his wife and three children. An artist who, at a young age, had an affinity for building rustic furniture from wood he found in ditches and side roads near his home, Steve only began chainsaw carving in 2019, with bears and other small animals. Since then, he has carved everything from small mushrooms to life-sized grizzlies and bigfoots.

About Boom Town Makers Market Founded in 2016, Boom Town Makers Market is a vibrant showcase of Southern craftsmanship in downtown Fort Payne, Alabama. Located in the historic Sawyer Building (circa 1878) at 324 Gault Avenue, the Market hand‑selects goods from over 60 local and regional makers—including jewelry, homeware, gourmet foods, pottery, glass, sculpture, and furniture. As a cornerstone of downtown Main Street revitalization, Boom Town merges heritage with the spirit of innovation that characterized Fort Payne’s “Boom Days” of the late 19th century. In addition to retail, the Market offers classes, special events, a maker internship program, and community partnerships to foster economic vitality and artistic engagement in North Alabama https://www.boomtownmakersmarket.org/

Kevin Chitwood | Panorama Public Relations |256-996-3054 | Kevin.Chitwood@prview.com