Harley Refsal is the torchbearer of Scandinavian-style figure carving in North America, and has played a central role in re-popularizing this nearly-lost style in Scandinavia. In addition to teaching carving, he is the author of many articles and several books including 'Woodcarving in the Scandinavian Style'. He is an Emeritus Member of Caricature Carvers of America; a professor of Scandinavian Folk Art at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, he has received numerous woodcarving related awards, and in 1996 he was decorated by the King of Norway for his contributions to Norwegian Folk Art.