Paul Rhymer
Paul Rhymer comes from a family of artists and has drawn and painted his whole life.  In 1984 he started his career as a Model-maker/Taxidermist at the Smithsonian Institution, following the career path of his father, who was also a museum taxidermist. According to Rhymer, taxidermy work helps him to constantly learn and look at wildlife since he often creates exhibits dealing with natural history subjects. With so much three- dimensional work at his job, Paul's painting and drawing began to transform into sculpture. Sculpture gives Rhymer an opportunity to try different interpretations with his subjects. Paul is a Signature member of the Society of Animal Artists.  His work has been on display and toured in the SAA’s  Art in the Animal show, Birds in Art, the National Sculpture Society and numerous other regional exhibitions. 

Visit Paul Rhymer's Web site to learn more.

Julie Bender
Pyrography, the art of burning or scorching on a natural surface, is an ancient art form dating back to cave drawings.  Borrowing from this ancient craft, award-winning artist Julie Bender portrays the natural world in fresh ways to express her profound appreciation of animals.   Bender's work has been featured in exhibitions in galleries and museums throughout the United States, including the Neville Public Museum, The Wildlife Experience, and the International Museum of the Horse. Her work is also in private collections, including that of Jack Hanna, director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.  To increase awareness of endangered animals, Bender contributes a portion of her sales proceeds to conservation organizations. 

Visit Julie Bender's Web site to learn more.

Robert Caldwell
Although Robert Caldwell always loved to draw, it was in middle school that he discovered art’s magic – that he could draw an image on paper that looked three-dimensional.  Caldwell attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, where he graduated in 2000 with a B.F.A. in communication arts and design. He won several awards in college including an honorable mention in Strathmore Artist Papers’ student illustration contest and a certificate of merit from the Society of Illustrators, which resulted in his work being displayed in New York City.  Caldwell regularly exhibits his work in regional shows. 

Visit Robert Caldwell's Web site to learn more.

Roger Martin
Roger Martin has been creating wildlife sculpture in various mediums for over 25 years.  Starting his career as an assistant curator of exhibits at the Schiele Museum of Natural History, Martin has traveled the world, studying animals in the wild, from the goats and sheep of Alaska to the birds and mammals of Africa, Asia and the South Pacific.  Having an in-depth knowledge of anatomy gives Martin the ability to instill power and agility into a subject as well as a glimpse into their spirit.  Martin is a lifetime resident of North Carolina.  His studio and gallery are located in historic downtown Albemarle near the Uwharrie National Forest. 

Visit Roger Martin's Web site to learn more.