This month we have a special double feature for our Featured Artist column -   husband and wife, Del and Martha Pettigrew!  Del and Martha are one of several couples who participate in the Celebration of Fine Art, proving that couples who create together, stay together!   They have been married for 30 years and have been part of the Celebration family of artists since 1996. Not only have we enjoyed their wonderful works of art, but we have enjoyed watching them mentor and influence other Celebration of Fine Art artists over the years.

Martha is known for her soulful renditions of women, yet she is also sought after for her wildlife, figurative and equine sculptures. Martha’s works can be found in private and corporate collections around the world.  Her life sized and monumental pieces are also on display across the country from Connecticut to Nebraska to California.  While speaking of her love of sculpting one of her favorite subjects, the Native Americans of the Southwest, Martha say’s “I find the everyday tasks of the native people of the Southwest, especially the women, to be an endless source of inspiration.  If I have achieved my goal as a sculptor, the viewer will feel an emotional attachment and never tire of seeing the piece.  The sculpture may become a source of inspiration in their life.”   We agree that when a viewer looks at her work, it is easy to see the strength, dignity and serenity of each piece shining through.

Del is known for his wonderful wildlife and figurative sculpture as well as his passion for landscapes in his paintings.  His work is also found in collections around the world from Kuwait to Scottsdale, Arizona.  He recently installed a commission of two life sized sculptures, a coyote chasing a jackrabbit, in the Sculpture Garden at the Plains Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Del says “I like to constantly expand my art repertoire, through experimentation, studies and challenging myself to do work beyond my comfort zone.”  In recent years, Del has devoted much of his time to his love of painting.  During a visit to San Miguel, Mexico last year for a painting trip, he was surrounded by a group of locals who were awestruck by his talents. This is no surprise to us, as we have seen the great influence that Del has shared with others under “the big white tents” over the years.

Be sure to stop by and visit with Del and Martha during our 2009 show.  We’re sure that you will be inspired by their passion for art and their desire to share that passion with others.  These Nebraska natives are a dynamic duo that you won’t want to miss.