September  Local artist of the month: Lyle Spry

The Cook County Historical Society’s Johnson Heritage Post (JHP) Art Gallery is pleased to announce the Local Artist of the Month for September, Lyle Spry. 

Spry is a White Earth band member who was raised in Grand Portage and spent the first 35 years of his life on the reservation. Since then, he has lived in Grand Marais with his wife, Laurie. 

After seeing Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse on a trip with Laurie to the Black Hills in South Dakota, Lyle said he felt inspired to try carving himself, on a “much smaller scale.” By the time the couple returned home, Lyle found that Laurie had already ordered soapstone and a set of stone carving tools. 

The first piece he carved was a bear (or as he says, “a bear of sorts”). However, upon seeing it, a friend asked him if he had purchased it at Sivertson’s Art Gallery. Although Lyle admits that friend perhaps was just being kind, he was determined to keep at the art skill, and slowly he improved. 

In his artist’s statement, Spry said, “I discovered once I start on a project, I really don’t want to quit! Often I am outside at my little table and many hours go by in a blink. There are a lot of steps and work in each piece, and I truly enjoy all aspects of this craft.”

Once he has completed a carving, he says Laurie gives her “okay,” and then Lyle begins the sanding process. “I sand the stone with anywhere from 6 to 8 different grits, multiple times. The shine you see is only done by sanding, and literally the sweat of my brow.”

Of his artwork, he says, “I’ve learned the carvings don’t always end up looking like I had intended; the stone has a way of telling me what it will be.”

Lyle’s work will be on display at JHP through September 30, 2026. 

Raffle - Win a carving!

In addition to showing his artwork, Lyle has also offered to raffle off a large bear carving, with all proceeds going to the Cook County Historical Society. Raffle tickets are $5 each and can be purchased by cash or check at JHP, beginning September 2-October 4. Winners will be contacted on October 7th, and have the option of picking up the piece in person, or shipping arrangements can be made. CCHS and JHP thank Lyle for his generous donation!

Admission to the JHP Gallery is free and open to the public, with donations graciously accepted. For the most up-to-date gallery hours, visit: cookcountyhistory.org/johnson-heritage-post-art-gallery