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Big Bamboo Studios
515 5th Street
Fairbury, NE  68352
(402) 806-1378
Visit Big Bamboo Studios Website
Email Big Bamboo Studios

Big Bamboo Studios is a turnkey studio that strives for the perfection of each of it's artisans craft, to bring the best quality in artificial environments and theming possible. BB Studios has a Home office based out of Fairbury, Nebraska along with a Branch office based in the Philippines Candelaria, Quezon.

Thom Hunt the Owner/Artist of BB Studios has over 30 years as a professional artist. Thom has perfected his talents as a sculptor, painter and designer. Thom Hunt has put together an amazing variety of services that take an artistic approach from concrete design to completion. Hunt understands the need for solid production but doesn’t base the success of his business on how many yearly jobs are completed. That success is based on the solid craftsmanship, intricate design details and the smiles on his client's faces at project completion.

Decorative Concrete Meets Historic Preservation

Decorative Concrete Training Brings Artists To Fairbury

April 2011 - Fairbury native Thom Hunt, artist and owner of BB Studios, has been working as a sculptor and painter of artificial theming for zoos, aquariums, museums and other public installations for over 30 years. The artificial rocks and trees he creates are used as props in exhibits and zoos throughout the world.

In his classes, Hunt walks the artists through the basic steps in the fabrication of artificial concrete structures. Made to resemble natural formations and fauna, artificial rocks and trees can be constructed from different materials that are

formed and sculpted into various sizes to emulate their natural counterparts. Making artificial rocks and trees are fun projects requiring only a few basic items and basic tools.

Hunt currently specializes “decorative concrete training” and offers monthly classes and seminars teaching other artists either onsite at their location or in his studio, located in an historic building just ½ block off the “the square” in Fairbury’s downtown historic district.

Old Cabin Gets "New Do"

On May 11-14, Hunt hosted the First Annual R.A.T. (Rock Carvers, Artists and Theme Builders) Campinar south of Endicott. This was a great chance for fellow artisans to learn the tricks of the trade.

The main project at the campinar was to remodel a cabin belonging to Jim and Mary (Thom’s sister) Criner of Endicott and Kevin and Monica Schmidt of Fairbury.

The artisans had the chance to talk shop with fellow artisans, participate in one or all hands-on demos, including carving, painting and staining. The participants also took part in the construction of a fire pit that resembled boulders, and the seats which resembled tree stumps.

On the final day, the group enjoyed having locals out to “ooh and aah” over their finished project. They enjoyed a barbecue and live entertainment by the band, “Repeat Offenders.”

Cabin owners, Schmidts and Criners, were amazed and extremely pleased with their cabin’s new look and the impressive fire pit which was put to good use over the chilly weekend.

The artists, who traveled to Fairbury from across the US and Canada, all agree, “Thom is a very talented artist and we would like to return to Nebraska”.

According to Hunt, “They are all very talented people and we enjoyed watching them work. The friendships we made will last a lifetime. We hope to get together again in the future.”

Hunt, a Fairbury graduate, resides with his wife Iryne and their three young sons.

Journal-News photos by Vicki Check