What is an Artist of the Year?

The Artist of the Year program began in 1979 when the Center was trying to accumulate enough money to build its own building.  One of its supporters suggested that the Center should give wildlife prints as thank-you gifts to members who joined for $100 or more.  That program has been maintained ever since.

Many prominent and outstanding artists have been willing to be the Artist of the Year and donate prints of a wildlife painting or photo, which they had done, or were willing to do especially for the Wildlife Center.  The many bird and mammal prints, which hang on our walls are former Artist of the Year prints, and are far more valuable than the original $100 given to acquire it as a thank-you.

2008 Artist of the Year: Jayne Stenstrom 

"The Gathering"

Jayne Stenstrom of Woodruff, WI is our winning photographer/artist for 2008 with her photo of Tiger Swallowtail butterflies.  Jayne sites support of her family, friends and coworkers for encouraging her to continue to photograph.  She says a photo is no good unless you share it.  Working as a hospice caregiver seems to have given Jayne a positive outlook on life, as she clearly sees beautiful things through her camera lens and wants to share with us.  She came across this gathering of swallowtails while kayaking near Bayfield, WI, "one of those things you don't experience if you are sitting at home," says Stenstrom.  Jayne also says she was thrilled to get our call, "You never know unless you enter.  Enter because you want to share, not with the though of 'what if I don't win.'  You just never know."

The print will be available for new and renewed memberships dues of $100 or more.  A larger canvas version of the print will be available for a donation of $200 only by specific request, as the canvas print is a special order.  Both will be on display at the Wildlife Center.  Act now!  We only have 150 prints and canvas prints are limited.

Prints now available. 

To receive your copy of this beautiful print go to our membership page to get a printable membership form.