“It’s 420 Somewhere.”
Chris Cleary made sure it was 4 2 0
sculpting hot in Jericho, Vermont.

420 The Stoner Holiday History

A group of high schoolers who referred to themselves as the “Waldos” were the “inventors” of 420. In the 1970s a group of teenagers from San Rafael High School in Marian County would ritualistically smoke marijuana at 4:20 each day. The number 420 became their code for marijuana. The five students called themselves the "Waldos," which referenced the wall they would sit on at their school.

Fast forward to

On May 19, 2004, Vermont legalized medical cannabis with Senate Bill 76.

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, legal cannabis sales for adults 21 and over began in Vermont.

Now on 4/20/2023, Chris Cleary feels vindicated and proud to (legally) display his six-and-a-half foot-high 4 2 0 creation crafted from Southern Yellow Pine lath so hard it needs special handling to cut it after being nailed in place on the structure. Appropriate one might say, after a hard-fought battle to see Mary Jane legalized.

The 420 sculpture was purchased by the owner of Zen Barn. Check out their Zen Barn CBD and Community Live Music Events in their century-old dairy barn in Waterbury, Vermont.

Before completion of the entire sculpture, Chris had the 4 2 on display in his driveway. Perhaps in honor of Jackie Robinson. And of course, 42 is “the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.”

Chris is no stranger to inhaling - inhaling fire that is, nor is he short on ideas on sculpting with wood or stone or steel. From garden stones, ornaments, memorials, and bird baths, to custom work, his business On The Rocks has it covered. And when he says custom, imagination is not a limit.

Just drive by his place in Jericho, Vermont and you are likely to see anything from a fifteen-foot-high dragon to a giant-sized letter arrangement spelling out love, bee, kind, believe, or other sentiments. Or you might see a custom-made mini-submarine, the perfect submersible to search for the Lake Champlain Monster - which by the way, has been known to show up at Chris's place (made of wood). Lake Champlain monster "Champ" Shoots Fire into the Sky: Fury or Fiery Love?

Looking for a space-age human propelling jet pack made of copper pipes, see Chris demonstrate his creation with a whole lot of shaking going on.

As his website states, "Chris uses a process called sand carving, along with traditional stone carving tools, to create designs in stone. Sand carving is one way to precisely etch stone with intricate detail, and is achieved by propelling a sand-like substance onto the surface of the stone. Chris' work is unique in that his designs are drawn and manually cut into a single-use rubber overlay. He favors this method because it lets him draw freehand before carving so that each design ensures an exceptional one-of-a-kind product. Furthermore, it allows for close attention to detail and depth as he carves."

Chris managed to capture a mermaid and enclose her in stone at the same time as it releases the salt spray, foam, and water of crashing ocean waves. Chris and Kim's backyard and studio are filled with creative touches that stretch the imagination from uncommon use as well as displays of crafted designs of surreal and mirrored images of nature.

420 is about fire and creative highlights. So to is Cirque de Fuego, an Art Theater Troupe led by Chris and Kim that uses fire for flair and flambe just as Chris adds a dreamlike character and music to all that he sculpts.

Cirque de Fuego is a Vermont-based fire performance troupe providing event entertainment since 2014. What started as a husband/wife duo quickly became a team of talented artists with varying skill sets to ensure a perfectly curated show for any celebration.

If you can imagine it, Chris can sculpt it. If you can't imagine it (even on 420) visit Chris's studio - you will be awed even without indulging!

Chris currently lives in historic Jericho Center with his wife, Kim, and their two sons, Finnegan & Sawyer, where he's been "rockin' it" since 1999. He designs and carves full-time at his home-based studio and sculpture garden. Visits by appointment are always welcome.

Celebrating the art of community

Bernie