He may have retired last fall as a Laborer out of Local #539 in Green Bay, but Pat Farrell's work schedule hasn't slowed much since, thank's in part to Wisconsin celebrating its 150th year as a state, and Farrell's reputation among the states folk-life crowd as a precise and talented woodworker.

This year, as a part of the state's sesquicentennial celebration, Farrell has been invited to participate in, or to exhibit projects at, a number of events, including the Wisconsin Folk Life Festival scheduled for Washington, D.C. this summer, and other communities in the state later this year.

Over the years, Farrell's projects have varied significantly, and have ranged from sleighs and roll-top desks to dulcimers and a mountain banjo. Presently, he is restoring a pre-1920 canoe.

"I could be sitting at the kitchen table, eating or reading," said Farrell, "Projects just come to me."

Those ideas for projects have worked their way into snowshoes and hand-carved canoe paddles. Farrell also carves life-like duck and geese decoys, and is one of the last builders of wooden duck hunting slips in the country.

A 16-foot duck hunting slip, that Farrell authentically crafted by hand, is on permanent display at the Cedarburg Cultural Center in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

The Cedarburg Cultural Center is also planning on participating in various sesquicentennial events this year, including Wisconsin Folk Art: A Sesquicentennial Celebration.

This traveling exhibit, that will be housed at the State Historical Museum from June 23 to November 8, explores traditional art forms passed down over the course of the state's 150 year history. The exhibit will feature a number of Farrell's works.