Like most years, the art for this year’s Sandblast Celebration is being provided by Dan Cautrell. The theme for this year is “Local Yokels.”

But for people living in and around Duvall, the daily pleasure of experiencing the artwork of Dan Cautrell can be had in a lot of places — without waiting for Sandblast each year — especially in the old part of town.

He’s apparently a favorite with the City of Duvall and for good reason — his artwork resonates with symbols of truth and fun and timely commentary. I feel inspired by his efforts and like living around them. Lots of people collect his art work, as well.

You can see his woodcut sculpture down at the Park and Ride, by the bridge that leads across the Snoqualmie at the north end of town — a project which was sponsored by Metro Transit and the City of Duvall.

Drop by the Speakeasy Café and my favorite table top in there was carved by him. There are recent local totems along the street near the Café as well.

And he’s part of a City Hall kiosk project for announcements next to City Hall, where he’s working with a metal artist and a local developer, who’s to add a roof for the kiosk.

I dropped by his studio the other day over on Ring Hill across the valley to the west of Duvall so I could ask a few questions for this story. Once I got by the barking and grinning old dog and the sheep and goats I found him busy at work in his studio.

Turns out Dan wasn’t born here actually. He was, in fact, raised down in that state way south of here. You know … the big one along the ocean that grows oranges and movie stars and doesn’t like you to bring funny bugs and plants into their state.

Although Dan always doodled in art as a kid, he didn’t really get going until he was into his early twenties after the untimely death of his mom. Art seemed to help him experience the nether regions of his life and cope with the loss. And after that he just never looked back.

His inspirations have been the Mexican artists Jose Posada and Leopold Mendez. And he likes the illustrator, Michael McClure. I’d throw in a dash of Rockwell Kent, too, maybe.

Dan is married to a “wonderful wife,” Paula, who’s an elementary school teacher. They have two sons.

Sandblast is an arts, crafts, music and sand sculpture fun event coming this year on July 22nd and 23rd along the river at McCormick Park.

T-shirts with Dan’s art will be available again this year at the Sandblast tent. Sandblast is presented by the Duvall Foundation for the Arts with major support from the City of Duvall, 4Culture and local businesses.