Newspaper clips from 1989, 1985 and 1980

Cocoa Beach carver: I'm no freeloader

By Ed Volonnino — Cocoa Beach

Teddi Bartlett, treasurer for the Cocoa Village Autumn Arts Festival, found it important to demand a clarification be printed in the Oct. 4 FLORIDA TODAY.

This was concerning a story about the show which mentioned me setting up woodcarvings. I found Bartlett's statement very misleading.

I would like to make clear that I did not submit an entrance fee because I was working with several local shops (Emerald Eye, This and That and Promenade). I've put on carving demonstrations there for the last four years, and on private property, I might add. It helps draw patrons into these establishments.

I guess Bartlett is upset because a FLORIDA TODAY reporter found my wood carvings interesting and wanted to include it in a Sunday article.

I don't like being portrayed as a freeloader. Ed's Heads tikis have always stood for high quality.

PEOPLE SPOTLIGHT — Ed Volonnino

Occupation: Ed's Heads, tiki carver.

Current project: Carve Aid, charity benefit for abused children, at Merritt Square Mall today and Saturday.

Ambition: To carve the world's largest chess set from palm. "The king and queen would be at least 6, 7 feet tall. The pawns would be just heads, about 3 feet tall. And the bishops and knights would be full-bodied, about 5 feet tall."

Obstacle: "I'm not loaded with dough. I'd need a backer."

Favorite pet iguanas: "They're mellow and they just hang out. They don't make any noises. They just eat and sun themselves."

Inquiring Photographer

What historical figure would you most like to meet?

ED VOLONNINO — Sculptor — Cocoa Beach

"Probably Michelangelo. He's got to be the best
sculptor and architect
history, and I'm inspired
him."