World renowned bird carver, Ernie Muehlmatt; well-known nature photographer Michael L. Smith; wildlife artist and jewelry maker Kathy Boyle; and local painter Libby Caine joined together for an exhibit presented by the Taneytown History Museum. The artistry was on display September 10th through October 15th, 2011 at the New Windsor State Bank located at 222 East Baltimore Street, Taneytown, Md. Continue reading to learn more about the featured artists!
An excellent article was written about the exhibit by guest Andy Aughenbaugh… click here to read “Wildlife Artists On Display in Carroll”.
Ernie Muehlmatt
Ernie is a three time World Champion of the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition. He also won in the Miniature and Decorative Life-Size Division. He has received many awards and accolades from prestigious wildlife organizations, including the Easton Waterfowl Festival and was inducted into the Carvers Hall of Fame in 1993. He was nominated Carver of the Year in 1987 at the Charleston, SC Waterfowl Festival.
Ernie was born in Springfield, Pa. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. Upon his return home he completed a two-year program in commercial art in Philadelphia and became involved int he family’s floral business with his brother.
Ernie’s work can be found in the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury, Md. and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, Wisconsin. He has had work commissioned by prominent collectors in the U.S. and Canada, and his work has been in the White House. He is best known for his on-piece cluster pieces of multiple birds. He has made 6,000 wildfowl carvings. When he is not carving, he teaching seminars from Florida to Canada, writes books, articles, and project books for Wildfowl Carving Magazine. Ernie and his wife Kathy now reside in Salisbury, Md.
Michael L. Smith
Michael L. Smith is an internationally known wildlife photographer. For over 41 years he has been observing and photographing wildlife, concentrating mostly on birds. He likes to work close to his subjects to develop an understanding of their lives.
His most famous photograph “The Mad Bluebird” is of an adult male Eastern Bluebird sitting on a fence post. It is perhaps the most purchased, recognized and loved bird photograph in the world. This photograph is being reproduced in stained glass by Glassmasters, Richmond, Va.
Michael’s works have appeared in the National Geographic Magazine; Osprey Populations Soar to Old Heights; National Geographic books and brochures; National Wildlife Federation books and magazines. His photographs are found in other books, magazines, covers, posters, puzzles, calendars, and greeting cards. His “Bluebirds of a Feather” photograph was used in an ad for Hasselblad cameras. Michael also lectures and conducts workshops on wildlife photography.
Kathy Boyle
Kathy was born and raised in Baltimore, Md. She graduated with a B.A. degree in French from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus. She began working for the federal government in Baltimore after graduation. Kathy is known for her carvings, handcrafted silver jewelry, and ornaments. She carved as a hobby until 1978 and began carving full time.
Kathy specializes in carvings, carves game birds, shore birds, and birds of prey. She is best known for her chickadee carvings. Her works are exhibited throughout the country and at the Easton Waterfowl Festival, Southeastern and Northeastern Wildlife Expositions, Ward Found exhibits, and Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.
Libby Cain
Libby lived hear early years in Carroll County, Md. She graduated from the University of Maryland. Upon graduation she moved away from the area and began her teaching career. She retired from teaching after 31 years. Libby returned to the area ten years ago and resides in Taneytown.
Libby was interested in painting prior to her teaching career. When she returned to the area she resumed her interest in painting. Libby’s paintings are water colors and acrylics. She studies with artist Rebecca Pearl, Thrumont, Md. Libby’s paintings can be viewed at Gizmos Art – www.gizmosart.com
Taneytown Heritage & Museum Association, Inc. 