Don Myers Photography

Teacher and artist William “Cedar” Caredio grew up in Morgan Hill, California, where his father taught school for 33 years. After attending Chico State, Caredio has himself taught for 30 years, 26 at Pleasant Hill Elementary. After retiring in 2010, he continues his passion in art. He is a member of the Eugene Sculpture Group.

Self-taught in the art, he began sculpting wood in 1987. Under the teachings of Dudley C. Carter, a woodcarver from the Pacific Northwest, he learned some techniques and tool uses from Native American tribes.

“My wife actually gave me the nickname of Cedar because I would always burn incense or rub cedar oil on my hands,” Caredio said. “But it fits.”