The Woodchuck Project
In loving memory of Christian Wodrich
(December 10, 2004 – March 15, 2025)
The Mission
The Woodchuck Project honors the memory of the loved ones we have lost by providing families with a custom, meaningful keepsake. Using an image of your loved one and a quote or favorite memory, I create an original alcohol ink marker cartoon. Dedicated to the memory of my son, Christian Wodrich, who passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 20, this initiative allows families to have a special artwork to celebrate the unique spirit of the loved ones they carry in their hearts.
Who are the Woodchucks?
The Little Woodchucks
The Big Woodchucks
Established in 1999, the “Woodchucks” – a play on our last name – welcomed the first of the young Woodchucks in December 2004, and quickly became a family of 6. For several years I kept a journal of funny things the little Woodchucks said or did, eventually filling the pages with more than 600 quotes and notes about their antics. Little did I know what a precious gift these memories would become after the loss of our oldest son, Christian, in 2025.
During my professional art career, 2011-2022, I would sometimes create these fun watercolor cartoons in between the more serious artwork. I returned to creating these illustrations as a way to honor and remember our family, naming these drawings “The Woodchuck Diaries”.
Out of a desire to find purpose and help others honor their loved ones after the heartbreak of loss, I came up with the idea for
The Woodchuck Project.
With love and remembrance,
Esther BeLer Wodrich
Gallery & Inspiration
How It Works
A guide to submitting a memory and requesting a custom keepsake drawing.
Share Your Memory
To request a custom artwork, please share your details, your favorite quote or memory, and a reference photo below. As each piece is individually hand-drawn, requests are completed in the order they are received.
To ensure every family receives the attention their artwork deserves while balancing my professional career and family, I take on a maximum of four memorial commissions per month. Please allow a 4 to 6 week turnaround time for the artwork to be drafted, inked, colored, and shipped safely to your door.
Contributions
This project operates on an open, pay-what-you-wish model to remove financial barriers for families with limited means.
You are not required to pay a set fee.
Any contributions received go directly toward materials, shipping, and time, keeping the project accessible to everyone.
Join the Waitlist
As each original piece is individually hand-drawn, requests are completed in the order they are received. Enter your email below to join the waitlist. When your turn approaches, I will reach out with a link to submit your quote, story, and reference photos.