Larry Ridge was born and raised in Chattanooga and is an experienced woodcarver in several styles. Today he is the master carver at Horsin’ Around Carousel Carving School, the only full-time school in the United States that teaches carousel animal carving. In addition to his exquisite carvings, Larry provides the maintenance, upkeep, and consulting for the Coolidge Park Carousel and the Chattanooga Zoo Carousel. As part of the 2020 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, Larry taught his son, Jason Ridge, and his grandson, Luke Ridge, the steps required to build and carve a carousel animal in the same tradition that began in the 1800s.

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