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This 100-year-old woodworker gives his art away for free (with special message)

Arlo Sonnenberg builds special works of art in his home studio.
Credit: Byron Red, KUSA

KUSA — Arlo Sonnenberg knows a little bit about observing life. After all, he’s been doing it for quite some time.

“I’m 100 years old now,” he said. “I feel so blessed.”

Sonnenberg is a woodworker and has been creating with his hands since he was a little boy growing up outside of Sterling, Colorado.

“When I was little, I was interested in drawing and making things, putting little pieces of wood together to make a cart,” Sonnenberg said.

He went to college and majored in arts and industrial arts. He then became a woodworker and did a lot of building and construction. Over the years, he has designed and built three violins and numerous other wood pieces.

“Now, when I’m older, I need to somehow keep doing some of the things I did way back when,” Sonnenberg said.

So he spends his spare time in his woodshop, creating art with a message.

“It’s good to let people know what I’m thinking and what they could be thinking about,” Sonnenberg said.

He doesn’t sell his creations. He gives them away and they include a letter tucked inside with words meant to inspire.

“Be square and true and have an open heart,” Sonnenberg said. “And so when I give this, people understand the importance of having an open heart.”

He shares his creations with family, friends and his church congregation. He says they’re all made with a passion that comes from his heart.

“I just hope that it will resonate with them and feel that these are some of the important things in life,” Sonnenberg said.

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