Circus Carvings Represent One Man's Lifelong Joy

A Greenville baker never thought of himself as an artist, but his carvings of the circus are now in a museum.

Frank Diener has carved horses, lion tamers, balancing acts and elephants by hand over the last 45 years. His son, David, assembled the exhibit as a tribute to his father.

"When the circus comes to town, everybody's happy," David says. "Everybody enjoys the circus, and it's entertaining. I think he enjoyed entertaining people with his art."

Frank Diener was not able to attend Thursday's opening, but his son says he is there in spirit. The exhibit is at the Gallery of Art and Design in the N.C. State Student Center until March.