NIAGARA, Wis. – The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is about to land quite the catch: more than 40 fish of all types and sizes, shaped by a world-class wood carver in Niagara.

Roger Newhouse, a 12-time ribbon winner in the world fish carving championships, has decided to donate most of the works he still has at home to the museum.

He’ll load about 40 pieces on a trailer this afternoon, then deliver them to Manitowoc on Wednesday.

“This is 15 years,” Newhouse said, “of some of my better carvings.”

All are original, one-of-a-kind pieces designed by the artist, a self-taught carver who didn’t get into the craft until age 55. He said he hones his skills every day, often using live fish as models.

“I’ll catch a fish, make a pattern, then I’ll take a block of wood and trace the pattern on the wood,” he said.

He decided to donate the works to the Maritime Museum after participating in a woodworking demonstration there with other carvers a few years ago.

Wendy Lutzke, the museum educator who first contacted Newhouse, said the facility is “very honored” to be selected to house the collection.

“His work is absolutely beautiful and we are proud to display it here,” Lutzke said.

The artwork will become part of a Wisconsin fishing exhibit, she said. Although it could potentially become a permanent fixture, for now it is slated to be a temporary display that will open this summer, the peak season for visitors. About 40,000 people annually pass through the museum on Lake Michigan.

That’s definitely a step up from the roughly 100 people a year who toured Newhouse’s home to see the carvings.

But he also wanted the artwork to be displayed in a safe place, he said.

“The museum in doing me a favor by taking them, ’cause I know they are going to be there forever,” Newhouse said.

And while he’s letting go of the bulk of his personal collection, Newhouse said is isn’t finished carving.

“Once I give these up, I’ll have whole room I can fill up again,” he said. “I don’t have any pangs of conscience – maybe when the room is empty I’ll have a hollow feeling, ’cause these are all my babies, but I know where they are going and I know other people are going to enjoy them.”

Theresa Proudfit’s email address is tproudfit@ironmountaindailynews.com.