At the age of 7, Michael found his first arrowhead. This discovery ignited his passion for ancient history and prehistoric cultures. This passion, combined with the beauty and enduring qualities of fabricated steel, fuels his artistic career.

Michael has been following his heart for over twenty years by creating pieces that edify and preserve the heritage and history record left by the indigenous people of the Northern Plains. His desire is not only to preserve the record, but to actively aid and educate others of the relevance of this legacy to our present world. Each of his works of art are hand forged from steele the old-fashioned way. He creates a large number of custom commissioned pieces – fireplace grids, gates, wall pieces and furniture – each year for his ever growing client base!

Many of his outdoor adventures are centered around researching these ancient cultures. Michael is an extreme outdoorsman – hunter, fisherman and backpacker. He loves being out in the woods! In his spare time, his adventures have taken him to the Yukon on a great wilderness sheep hunt and fishing trip. (He always carries his fishing rod.) One year, Michael was in the wild Northwest Territories, where he took a world class moose, a mountain caribou and a Rocky Mountain goat. When he’s not creating in his studio or off on one of these adventures, he enjoys gardening around his historic Montana home. He also spends a great of time hiking with his wife in the beautiful mountains and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

2011 will be Michael’s 11th year with the Celebration of Fine Art, where he looks forward to another great season with old and new friends. Visit with him at the Celebration to experience his artwork and learn the ancient symbolism of each sculpture. His welcoming smile and warm personality will greet you in Studios 257 & 258.

Gregory Sievers received his Associate of Fine Arts Degree from Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. His graduate thesis was a compilation of still lifes depicting aspects of the early west to receive his Master of Fine Arts Degree from Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

The inspiration for Greg’s pioneer scenes comes from American history. Having grown up in the Rocky Mountains, he draws from the experiences of his youth to capture the essence of the American West. He strives to portray the courage and nobility shown by those pioneers who crossed the plains, and he seeks especially to show the lives of pioneers on an individual basis. He does this by depicting individual families or groups facing the hardship, as well as the vastness and beauty of the west. By doing this he hopes that those who experience his work can better relate to the heritage that we as Americans share.

Greg has traveled extensively in Europe over the past decade, painting “Plein Air” in Paris as well as in the European country side, including the Italian and French Rivieras, Venice and Rome, Madrid and Barcelona, Budapest, Strassborg, England, Wales and Prague. He uses historical books and images to place the streets and figures in the 18th century, adding a sense of romance and history. The monuments and historic landmarks of the cities of Europe provide beautiful icons in these city scenes, and allow all who see his work to experience both the time and place depicted.

A unique form of impressionism can be seen in Greg’s style. Many of the early impressionist styles were far more detailed than most realize. Though Greg’s paintings appear to be quite detailed, a closer look will reveal expressive brush work and charming impressionistic textures.

As an artist, Greg feels that his work can affect people on many levels. He enjoys painting a variety of subjects and themes, and is always finding new ways to express his romantic leanings.

Greg has been painting at the Celebration of Fine Art in the Big White Tents since 1998. In 2010 his son, Matt Sievers joined the Celebration. It was great to have both of them painting and sharing their talent with the visitors.

Bruce began his art career at an early, studying privately with a cadre of Los Angeles artists, and sold his first piece in a show at the age of nine. While earning his degree at Art Center College of Design, he studied under Lorser Feitelson, the father of Post-Surrealism.

Bruce wants to represent the blinding truth of those “Aha Moments” of true insight as well as the confusion and uncertainty we all experience along our paths. His presence of the circle in his paintings represents the elemental almost primal journeys and lessons that keep coming back around. In observation, no single point on a circle is more important than any other point reminding us that every point on the path is an equally significant part of the journey. Whether we think of it as a good or bad experience, it’s all helping us to our destination.

Expressing this intricacy and depth on canvas involves creating multiple layers of images. Bruce begins each piece with a very vivid and energetic palette knife composition, with thick swirls and streaks of saturated color slashed across the canvas. He then layers coat upon coat of sheer glazes over his base, creating a delicate balance between what is hidden and what is allowed to bleed through. Per Bruce, “This gives it subtext. Just like in life, the most interesting stuff is what’s below the surface. That’s where I want my paintings to resonate”.

2010 represents the sixth year at the Celebration of Fine Art, where he and his Pekingese, Matisse, look forward to another great season with old and new friends. Drop by the Celebration to perhaps experience journey through his paintings.

David W. Jackson is multi-talented and proficient in several art mediums. Although he is well known for his accurate depiction of wildlife and western landscapes, David’s work is very diverse and includes a wide variety of subjects and locations. His richly colored impressionistic style has afforded him the opportunity of showing his work in private collections and shows throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

David’s welcoming smile and positive attitude is very familiar to anyone who has attended the Celebration of Fine Art. His work has been exhibited with the Celebration of Fine Art since 1994. His list of collectors is long and continually growing!

A native of Ogden, Utah, David’s interest in art began at an early age. He received a Bachelor of Science degree at Weber State University and a Master of Fine Arts degree through Utah State University. After teaching high school art for 27 years, he retired to pursue his passion full time to create his own artwork. He is a strong supporter of numerous wildlife and charitable organizations and for many years has served as a board member for the Eccles Community Art Center in Ogden.

David is always striving for excellence. He loves new challenges and opportunities which provide him with creative resources. His home and studio are located in the beautiful surroundings of Mountain Green, Utah where it is not unusual for him to see a Moose walking by out the window. When he is not painting or sculpting, he is enjoying his family and the great outdoors.

Be sure to stop by his studio at the Celebration of Fine Art and see what’s new for 2010.