Welcome to Herlene's Carvings, specializing in Alpine Relief carving! To the right, you can view samples of Herlene's current work. Just click on the thumbnail for the full-size image. Below you can learn more about the artist behind these lovely carvings. If interested in purchasing any of her works, or if you would like a custom carving, please see the information below. All carvings are completely original and hand carved (no machines used) and hand painted.

The carving at the top of the page is King Ludwig's Fantasy, a 24"x36" work created in 2005.

Herlene Frank Iobst inherited her artistic talent from her father Tilghman Frank, who had similar talents. Although he was unable to make a living using his talents, he taught and encouraged Herlene to improve her skill. Tilghman's musical ability enabled him to play trombone, guitar, and banjo with the Dorseys, as well as touring with Red Nichols and the Five Pennies at college campuses during the 1930’s. Tilghman’s father, Herlene’s grandfather, migrated to the U.S. from Alsace, and Herlene’s grandmother migrated from Vienna, Austria when they were young.

Herlene teaching at Cherry Ridge

Herlene followed her father by attending the Baum School of Art in Allentown, Pa., as a young girl, but after she married, she also found little time to continue the “hobby”. However, when she fortuitously became friends with a German family, and subsequently visited them countless times, she became completely consumed with the beauty of the Alpine regions of Europe.

When her husband (the humble author of this brief biography) retired, Herlene found more time (including the obvious need to get away from the author!) and returned to her painting. She found that without meaning to specialize only in the Alps, it seemed that most of her paintings had the same theme - the Alps!!!

After buying some German carvings, on the challenge by two old and very dear friends, she tried her hand at carving. HERE YOU CAN SEE THE RESULTS OF HER EFFORTS. and paraphrasing what someone has said: LOOK GENTLY, FOR YOU ARE LOOKING AT HER DREAMS - the marriage of her inherited German ancestry and GOD-given natural talent!

I hope you enjoy these works of art as much as I enjoy watching her create them!

Husband Jim

UPDATE SINCE 2003:

Herlene has found her fellow carvers in northeast Pennsylvania and joined them in the Northeast Woodcarvers Association. Each summer they organize the Northeast Woodcarvers Roundup which lasts for 5 days at the Cherry Ridge Campgrounds near Honesdale, Pa.

She has been one of the many carvers from around the country which give instruction at this summer workshop.

Her work is displayed and for sale at the Alpine German Restaurant  just east of Honesdale, Pa. 

Herlene has also chosen to demonstrate her carving at selected Oktoberfests, where her Alpine Scenes seem to be greatly appreciated.

These carvings are great for German Heritage Clubs and families to use for raffles, gifts, or awards. Interested in purchasing one?  For more information, contact Herlene Iobst at 301-790-2480 or 570-226-8627. You can also contact her via e-mail at jimiobst@macconnect.com or herlene@entermail.net. Custom carvings are also available. Let her carve your cabin or castle!