Archive

August 14, 2024 In

Steve Burelison

Hometown: Bradford, OH

I sculpt in an interpretive style, giving the viewer the opportunity to step into and and complete the sculpture in their own mind, relating to factors in their own lives.

I work primarily with found wood that I pick from the woods and river on my property in southwest Ohio, but I am always looking for interesting pieces wherever I’m at. With each piece I try to create motion and emotion. I feel strongly that one can see and feel humanity even in an inanimate object such as a jug or a pot. I get a feeling of satisfaction, worth almost, from taking an object that was once living and growing but has died or been killed and is simply lying on the forest floor, turning to dust. Picking the piece up and giving it a new forever life for people to enjoy both physically and mentally, in whatever shape or form it tells me it wants to be, is so rewarding.

One of my hopes and goals is to move people with my sculptures, so how a piece touches you can be both physical and emotional. There is no better feeling for me than to have someone see my pieces for the first time and put their hand over their mouth in awe. Not because of the beauty of my work, but because it moves them in some way. To me this shows me they are seeing into the piece and not just looking at it. Sometimes they ask, “Can we touch it?” Of course my reply is always “By all means, please do.” Some may purchase the piece to take home and enjoy every day, some simply enjoy the moment. Both choices carry the same significance to me. I feel I have moved someone, maybe made a difference or lifted them up in some way. That’s what it’s all about for me.

August 13, 2024 In

Clayton Pennell

Painter | Winston-Salem, North Carolina

https://www.cpennell.com/

Clayton Pennell is a naturalist, conservationist, and internationally known contemporary wildlife artist. His high-impact art portrays wildlife in a new light by taking a modern approach to classical sporting art. He developed this distinctive style during his time as a hunting and fly-fishing guide, where he mixed his love of the game he pursued and his love for classical sporting art and etchings in a new form of sporting art that is made with Ink, Acrylic Paint, and 24k Gold and Copper. The 24k Gold and Copper paint he creates himself adds a stunning effect and symbolizes the value sportsmen see in wildlife. Clayton’s work has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for conservation, with his work having been sold to art collectors across the globe. As a true believer in conservation, he has dedicated a portion of all profits from his art sales to go towards conservation efforts. Clayton’s studios reside in the Piedmont and Blueridge of North Carolina..

August 13, 2024 In

Richard Clifton

Painter | Milford, Delaware

http://www.richardclifton.com/

Richard Clifton is a self-taught artist who has chosen acrylics as his medium.

Waterfowl being one of his favorite subjects, he has gone on to paint 56 duck stamps from various states, and including being a two-time Federal Duck Stamp winner.

Richard’s work has recently been displayed as part of the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and the Easton Waterfowl Festival. He was honored as the featured artist for the Easton Waterfowl Festival in 2022. Richard’s work has been chosen several times for the D.U. National Art Package. Also, he has been named D.U. Artist of the Year 4 times and is the first to win in back-to-back years. He has appeared in the documentary the “Million Dollar Duck”, and on “D.U. TV” in an episode about his Wildlife Art, Conservation efforts and Waterfowl hunting on his farm. Richard continues to find inspiration from his farm and surrounding areas.

September 29, 2023 In

Chris Rapa

Oil Painter | Hampstead, Maryland

www.chrisrapa.com

Chris Rapa is an accomplished oil painter living and working in Hampstead, Maryland. Her work spans a wide range of subjects, from still life and interior scenes to both studio and plein air landscapes. In recent years, she has begun exploring mixed media and collage, adding new layers of texture and expression to her paintings.

Whether painting in the studio or outdoors on location, Chris aims to capture an “impression” of her subject—focusing on the interplay of color, texture, and light to evoke mood and atmosphere. Her intuitive approach invites viewers into moments of quiet reflection and beauty.

Chris is a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society and an active member of the Oil Painters of America. Her work is featured in national juried exhibitions, and she regularly competes in plein air painting events across the country.

To view her portfolio or learn more about upcoming exhibitions, visit www.chrisrapa.com.

July 26, 2023 In

Jeffrey Mathias

Sculptor | Tilghman, Maryland

www.jeffreymathias.com

Jeffrey Mathias earned a BFA from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi where he studied under

the brilliant Artist and mentor, Dr. Jon Whittington. Today he crafts over-sized yet intricately detailed

sculptures that honor some of the sea’s often overlooked creatures, such as the mud-streaked Eastern

Oyster. Each sculpture is a unique exploration of color, texture, layered form, and natural elegance,

depicting the humble oyster shell in striking works of art.

August 23, 2022 In

Scott Penegar

Sculptor | Charleston, South Carolina

www.Scottpenegarsculpture.com

Scott received his art degree from Appalachian University, studied marine biology at the College of Charleston, and apprenticed under the renowned sculptor Jan D’Esopo in San Juan Puerto, Rico. He lives in Charleston, SC and spends his spare time on the ocean, the inspiration for his marine wildlife sculpture. He has worked as a commercial fisherman, aquarium exhibit designer, and eco-tour guide. An avid sailor, Penegar has made two transatlantic crossings on a 34-ft sailboat. He has won numerous awards and has created many public installations. Some recent projects have been a 6ft tall bronze eagle for The Citadel in Charleston, SC. and a 12 peice bronze sculpture installation located in Marion Square in Charleston, SC. He is a signature member of, The American Society of Marine Artist and The Society of Animal Artists, a The National Sculpture Society.

May 24, 2022 In

Bennett Scott

Carver | Berlin, Maryland

Bennett Scott is an Eastern Shore of Maryland native, where the outdoors, birds and art are themes that have dominated his life. Spending time in the marshes of Worcester County gained him tremendous knowledge of waterfowl and their habits. He has been carving professionally since 1970 and in each of his wood sculptures, he strives to capture the essence of his subject. His carvings have won numerous awards and recognition. He is a member of the Easton Waterfowl Festival’s Hall of Fame, served on the Ward Foundation Board of Trustees and has held various committee chairmanships of the Ward World Championship Competition.

Bennett received the Ward Foundation “Living Legend” Award in 2017 honoring his impact on the field of wildfowl art and the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition.

Bennett is generous in spirit and commitment to teaching others and passing on his knowledge, skills and talent. He was an instructor` in the National Endowment for the Arts “Carving Out Future Decoy Makers” program. Bennett resides in Berlin, Maryland.

May 20, 2022 In

Michael Bonner

Hometown: New Orleans, LA

2023 WFF Masterpiece Carver

Mike Bonner was born and raised in Michigan in a family with a rich tradition in the art of wood carving. A passion for nature and an eye for form were instilled in his family at an early age by Mike’s dad, Dick. Mike’s desire is to share the wonders and beauty of nature by capturing a moment in time that can be enjoyed forever. Mike has won over 75 “Best of Show” awards and the family’s work has been displayed in the finest exhibits, museums, and galleries nationwide. He currently resides in New Orleans, Louisiana.

May 11, 2022 In

Julia Rogers

Painter | Easton, Maryland

juliarogersart.com

“I have an endless desire to paint and over the years I have worked in several mediums and gradually developed a distinctive style that is seen today in my oil paintings. I also paint a wide variety of subjects. It is important to expand and try new things and push into different areas. Painting en plain air, figurative work and portraiture are all part of my discipline. Extensive travel is also documented in my portfolio. Many periods of growth in my paintings can be attributed to reference trips I have taken. Wildlife has been very inspirational to my work.”