January 2, 2009 – Fish Puzzle Project to Benefit Conservancy

This article was published on: 01/5/09 12:00 AM

Fish Puzzle Project to benefit conservancy

Published: January 02. 2009 4:00AM PST

Local woodworker and puzzle maker Larry Pecenka, a habitat biologist for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, has been making puzzles in the shape of large fish to raise funds for the Deschutes River Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that works to restore stream flow and improve water quality in the Deschutes Basin.

Pecenka makes the 12 by 24-inch puzzles and then turns them over to local artists who paint each fish differently. The puzzles cost $150 with all proceeds benefiting the Deschutes River Conservancy.

“The puzzles are double puzzles,” explained Teri Applegarth, who owns Donterra Artworks with husband Don Patheal. “When you take out the outside pieces you can look inside and see the puzzle pieces for the guts.”

According to Applegarth, the project started with Pecenka wanting to give back to the community. “It was a more creative way rather than just donating money,” said Applegarth.

The puzzles are on display and for sale at Donterra Artworks, located at 222 West Hood St., in Sisters.

Contact: 541-549-1299 or www.deschutesriver.org.

——————————————————————————–

Published Daily in Bend Oregon by Western Communications, Inc. © 2008

www.bendbulletin.com