Young sculptor gets first big job

Hockinson — Novice sculptor Chad Caswell received his first major solo job when he was commissioned recently to craft a life-size statute of World War II-era veteran Leonard DeWitt. Caswell, who lives in Hockinson, is the son of noted bronze sculptor Rip Caswell, owner of his namesake gallery in Troutdale, Ore. He’s worked with his dad for a few years and studied in Italy, but until now, hasn’t had his own assignment. Oregon state Rep. Jim Weidner, R-Yamhill, and others from McMinnville, Ore., reached out to Chad to create the sculpture of DeWitt, also from McMinnville and being considered for the Congressional Medal of Honor, according to a press release.