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 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’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.

Sylvie by Daphne Keskinis

Daphné was born in Paris, France.  Her whole family is involved in the history of art.  Her heritage comes from afar.  Her grandfather was an official portrait artist for presidents, kings and director of “ecole des Beaux Arts”.  His work is represented in numerous museums.  Her mother was a traditional watercolor artist.  At the age of 21, Daphne’ moved to New York to show her artwork in an exclusive gallery.

Daphné started with oils and pastels, but for over 40 years has been enraptured by the medium of enamel.  She studied with an old master, “Maitre Corlin”, who was a friend of Picassco and Braque.  She currently works with oils and enamels from her Studio Gallery in Carefree, Arizona and in South France.  In the inspiration of the new and old world, her subjects are versatile, bringing a force and excitement in panorama of both continents.
Enameling is the colorful result of fusing powdered glass to metal or glass by firing.  The powder melts, flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating.  Applied enamel pottery and stone objects date back to the ancient Egyptians.  The French invented the technique of “painting” with a special enamel called “blanc de Limoges” over a dark enameled surface to form a detailed picture, often human figure.  Limoges enamel, made in Limoges, France is the most famous European centre of vitreous enamel production.

When Daphné paints the fused powdered glass to copper, she creates ancient gardens, views of restaurants and cafes, chefs, religious images, and gorgeous bouquets. In the past few years, she has been creating contemporary paneled wall hangings where the flowing colors create emotional movement.  Her enameled fabulous faces seem to speak to you as if they are someone you know.
Daphné  has been oil and enamel painting at the Celebration of Fine Art since 1993.  To see if one of her faces speak to you or to learn more about enamel painting, visit her studio at the Celebration January 16 through March 29, 2010.

Syed was born and reared by the Kedah River in Malaysia.  This river provided the visual impressions that can be seen in his glass work.  Since glass shares similar light bending properties with water, it allows Syed to tap into his past where he observed the movement and effects of water to create his pieces.  The complex layers of clear, opaque and dichroic glass when fired create abstract impressions of water, plants and reflections.  These graceful and fluid pieces have been embellishing his studio at the Celebration of Fine Art for over seven years.
His method is improvisational.  The cutting, trimming and shaping sheets of glass, then laying, arranging and overlapping transparent, opaque and translucent glass until the image in Syed’s mind is realized.  The final outcome is not apparent until after the technical process of kiln-firing.  At 1400 degrees Fahrenheit, the pieces of glass begin to flow and fuse blending shapes and colors emerging with the final design.

To extend the design lines initiated within the glass, Syed creates a larger format of etched and painted metals or textured glass to mount his abstract impressions.  These contemporary glass art wall sculptures are considered highly collectible by art glass collectors.   Syed’s thoughtful nature and inquisitive spirit can be seen in all of his works of art. Stop by to see Syed and his glass creations in 2010.

Montana Blue Heron is Marilyn Evans Stevens and William Stevens, two self-taught weavers who have taken their willow structure weavings from simple basketry into the realm of woven sculpture and three-dimension wall art.  These sculpture weavings with bright bold beautiful colors have found been at the Celebration of Fine Art for over ten years and continue to find their way into beautiful homes.

The work by Marilyn and Bill is the result of a shared vision, communication, and the fact that nearly every individual piece has had both of their hands on it at some point in its development.  If Bill is the “What” of the piece, Marilyn is always the “How”.
Each year begins, as does each weaving, with the willow.  Wands of willow and red osier dogwood are gathered in the Spring and replenished in the Fall.  When they are picking willow, you may be assured that it is a beautiful, golden day along a silver ribbon of river, somewhere in Montana, from the Tobacco and Flathead in the north to the Beaverhead or Bighole in the south.  The gathered bundles represent the body of work to come over the next 6 months, and though Montana Blue Heron clients tell them again and again that it is their Color that is paramount in their decision, for Marilyn and Bill the work is in the Willow.
The Willow is the foundation, the “bones” of every piece.  It provides the grace of shape, strength and durability.  Over these bones are laid the flesh of weaving in colors and textures ranging from the brilliant to the sublime.
Color is the domain of Marilyn.  Her skills combine to create colors that gleam.  She is like some combination of chef and chemist as she mixes her potions and powders to some recipe known only to her through her years of experience as a master dyer.  After hours in her magic vats, the plain, drab and common wands turn into the scintillating colors of which their work is renowned.
Another feature of note in their weavings is the use of antler and wood, not as an adornment, but as an integral form affecting part of the piece.  The antler is purchased while the wood is another component of the quest to find pieces of Aspen and Pine to finalize and create the most dramatic element of their unique wall hangings and sculptures.
According to Marilyn and Bill, “No, our fingers never get tired!”
Be sure to see Montana Blue Heron’s new creations in 2010.

The warm, welcoming smile of Graydon Foulger has been a fixture at the Celebration of Fine Art since 1991, the very first year of the show. His magnificent paintings greet visitors as they walk in the front door. There is not a day that goes by that he is not painting new works – large or small during the 10 week long event.

Color and texture are part of his signature in every piece that he creates. His thick textures can take weeks or even months to dry – we frequently have paintings hanging in our office at the show to help them dry. What a treat for us!

Graydon has been involved in art for as long as he can remember – drawing as a kid, taking art classes all through school and graduating from Brigham Young University in Utah with a BFA in painting and sculpture in 1967. He then studied in a master of fine art program and taught art as a graduate assistant. In 1966, Graydon studied with the European Art Academy, which provided him with the opportunity to learn in any of the museums and galleries throughout Europe. In addition, he has studied with several prominent artists.

Graydon resides in Utah, a state he enjoys painting for its diversity. He relishes plein-aire painting (on site) in all weather conditions, yet equally enjoys the challenges of studio work. His interest in a wide variety of subjects is served by traveling extensively in the U.S., South American and Europe. Graydon’s goal is to paint competent, honest, interesting paintings ranging from the subtle rendering to the colorful impasto.

It has been a pleasure to work with and watch Graydon over the 19 years at the Celebration of Fine Art. Along with a loyal and passionate clientele who return on a regular basis to see his new creations, he has the respect of many a fellow artist. He frequently paints on location – from Arizona to California to Mexico to France and beyond – with fellow artist friends. He is both the mentor and the mentee. His easy going personality and passion for art act as a magnet for anyone who loves art. Be sure to spend some time with Graydon on your next visit to the Celebration!

Debbie Edgers Sturges’ larger than life wildlife paintings have graced the Celebration of Fine Art since 2004. Each year brings new subject matter as she travels the world to research the animals in their natural habitat.

In 2007 Debbie traveled to Alaska spending time in Kukak and Halo Bays to observe Alaskan Coastal Grizzly Bears. She was able to take over 6000 photographs of bear behavior. Her first hand observations have translated themselves into passionate and realistic paintings that made viewers want to reach out and touch. Many of these works of art were on display at last year’s show until they were scooped up by excited collectors. In 2008 she fulfilled another lifelong dream as she traveled to Churchill to study and photograph Polar Bears in their natural setting. Visitors to the Celebration of Fine Art can expect to see these images come to life in Debbie’s studio this year! She has already ordered a 4’ x 6’ canvas for one such painting. You can expect to see other animals as well – buffalos, fox, cougars, rabbits, elk, birds, bobcats and more!

Debbie’s work truly reflects her passion for the western wildlife and landscape. Her paintings have been inspired by her summers as a child exploring the beaches of Washington State and her current adopted home of Idaho in the Rocky Mountains as well as the winters she now spends in the Arizona desert. Debbie lives in a log cabin in the shadow of a mountain next to a river. When she is not painting she is enjoys hiking, observing and photographing the animals and landscape that live in the desert rocks and mountain forests. Many of the animals you see in her paintings are truly her neighbors! One of Debbie’s avid collectors, T. Schupp of Tempe, says “Debbie’s paintings have a way of bringing the animal and its surroundings to life. You can feel the presence in the room where you hang the work.” Debbie hopes to inspire others to examine with a curious heart all that surrounds in the natural world.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting from the University of Washington and a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in Boston, MA, Debbie is well trained in the technicalities of art. Perhaps, more importantly, Debbie has an innate ability to translate what she sees into phenomenal works of art that leave a lasting and positive impression on anyone who sees her work. Be sure to stop and say hello to Debbie when you visit the Celebration of Fine Art January 16 through March 29, 2009 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Kirk Randle is what he paints. To appreciate his work, one must assume the romantic’s sensitive, highly perceptive stance. As it applies here, this is an attitude of emotional candor that establishes the artist’s feelings towards a person, place or event as that entity’s most important feature. Working from this premise, Kirk tends to paint more from feeling than from an immediate response to an object or a scene.

A native of Utah, Kirk’s subject matter is often Rocky Mountain vistas, landscapes, country homesteads and Native American subjects. His landscapes frequently contain sunsets like those vivid bleeding colors that are the hallmark of the Arizona sunsets.

In 2008, he was invited to spend a week living and working in the original home and studio of Edward Hopper on Cape Cod.

Edward Hopper, 1935
…following his first retrospective

“In every artist’s development the germ of the later work is always found In the earlier…What he was once, he always is, with slight modifications. Changing fashions in methods or subject matter alter him little or not at all.”

We all have experiences that “rock our world”. These experiences focus us in a new direction or add layer to our success. “It was one of the most important experiences of my life. Seeing from his perspective the vastness of the land and ocean, smelling the air and listening to the rain all became moments of inspiration.” Says Kirk.

Look for a new body of work to premier at the 2009 Celebration of Fine Art with the numerous paintings based on his trip to the Edward Hopper House. You will see his eyes light up as he describes his experience while creating each of these paintings.

As a family man, Kirk encouraged his son, James Randle, to pursue his passion in painting. James’ success allowed him to join the Celebration in 2008 and to return in 2009.

(left) Kirk watches James add a finishing touch to one of Kirk’s paintings.

Now a Grandfather, Kirk is passing the brush on to his daughter’s son, Henry, to carry on the family business.

Kirk’s grandson, Henry gets in on the action!