All Things Wild II
Exhibition Dates: July 16 - Sept 7, 2021
An all media exhibit of work focusing on the animal kingdom, from the teeny tiny to the great and mighty.
Featuring Art by:
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"Mobile Home" by Lee Walter. Watercolor.
First Place, All Things Wild (2016) |

Juror: John Dyess is a native St. Louisan, with a BFA from Washington University School of Fine Art. He is a painter, illustrator, photographer and teacher creating art and illustration for over fifty years.
His commercial clients include many major corporations and companies throughout the U.S., including the National Geographic Museum, Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Monsanto, General Electric and the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals. His illustration work has been published in many widely distributed magazines such as Mature Living, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Sports Afield and Bassmaster. His work can also be found in many text books and history books for major education publishers.
John’s personal work has been represented in numerous local and national shows. It has been on exhibit at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, MO, Art St. Louis, the National Parks Service and accepted in over thirty five shows at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild. He has been recognized nationally by the New York Society of Illustrators and Communication Arts Magazine.
John’s teaching includes time at Washington University, Webster University, Jefferson College and Meramec Community College, all in the St. Louis, MO area. Learn more at www.studiodyess.com.
Juror's Statement: Thank you for the invitation to be the Juror for the “All Things Wild II” Exhibition sponsored by Framations. The subject matter of the animal kingdom is very broad indeed and so were the entries. While I was aware that it was an all media show, I was impressed to see such a variety of media represented by the entries. There was scratchboard, fiber, drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and even pyrography. This makes a comprehensive and interesting show for the viewing public when seen as one body of work in the gallery.
I certainly enjoyed and took my time examining each piece for technique, quality and originality. As a juror I try not to favor a particular technique that I might personally feel comfortable in using but judge each piece on its own merit. I want to feel how the art communicates concerning the artists' connection to the animal kingdom. I appreciated the artists’ statement that some provided with their art. It does help give the viewer insight.
I narrowed my selections down to my top 7 and then reviewed them further for placement as first, second, third and honorable mention. I always have a hard time “rejecting” art because I know each and every piece represents an individual's energy, commitment, expression and a little of their soul.
Seeing the varied creative art endeavors represented here gives one encouragement that the interest, exploration, self education, conviction and tenacity needed to pursue art are alive and well.