After serving in the US Marines, Dave Dunham graduated from the University of Texas and obtained his Master’s from Baylor University. He was a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and maintained an active practice in Cleburne, Texas for 27 years until his death in 2004. Dave’s extensive studies in human anatomy stimulated his interest in carving facial features and expressions. Dave’s unique style of caricaturization is easily recognizable, and set the standard for carving expressions in wood. He rarely sold his work, but several pieces made their way to private collections. With the Caricature Carvers of America, Dave co-authored several books on carving, and taught his unique brand of carving throughout the United States and Canada.

Dave was a founding member and Corresponding Secretary of CCA. He also had held offices in the Affiliated Woodcarvers, Ltd. of Davenport, Iowa, and the Texas Woodcarvers Guild.

Dave passed away on January 13, 2004.