Fall for the Arts

Meet the Artist: Dean Pilar

Last Updated 9/1/2026


For Dean Pilar, creating art is an exercise in patience, precision and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship.

A small-town Nebraska native who has called Columbus home for many years, Dean has spent more than three decades perfecting the art of scroll-saw woodworking. Remarkably, he is entirely self-taught, developing his skills through years of practice and a genuine love for the craft.

What makes Dean's work especially fascinating is the incredible precision behind every piece. He has developed the ability to start and stop the scroll-saw blade so cleanly that one cut seems to flow seamlessly into the next. The result is intricate, expressive artwork where the craftsmanship itself becomes part of the beauty.

Dean's work has previously been featured at the Columbus Art Gallery, including as part of its Winter Market showcasing handcrafted work by area artists and makers.

During Fall for the Arts, visitors will have the opportunity to see Dean’s work up close at Pioneer Plaza, 2402 13th St., and appreciate the patience, precision and craftsmanship that go into transforming a simple piece of wood into a work of art.

πŸ“ Pioneer Plaza | 2402 13th St.
🎨 Dean Pilar
πŸ“… Saturday, September 19 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Come meet Dean, explore his intricate scroll-saw creations and discover another form of creativity during a day when businesses become the galleries and downtown becomes the stage.

Want to discover more artists, musicians and everything happening during Fall for the Arts? Visit Fall for the Arts for profiles, event details and more.

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Fall for the Arts Festival
Sep 19, 2026
11:00 AM CDT
2500 14th St
Columbus, NE 68602-1677
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