SLOPOKE 2025 BOOK !

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Welcome to SLOPOKE 2025. Whereas this may
be your first visit, this is our 15th year of producing
and promoting this exhibition and sale of art of
the American West. SLOPOKE may seem to be a
strange name for an art show but it was born in our
desire to create something unique. After owning
and operating an art gallery for 12 years as my 45-
year career in military technology wound down,
my wife and I were introduced to the western art
niche market by visits to the Autry Museum’s annual
Masters of the American West Art Show and
2 consecutive years witnessing the turn out for the
annual Jackson Hole Art Auction. Perceiving no
competitive source of western art along the California
coast, we created the SLOPOKE Western
Art Rodeo – a unique name for what we wanted to
be a unique event. We figured San Luis Obispo and
Cowpoke would be easily deciphered in the name.
It was an instant hit even as a gallery-managed
multiple artist show. Soon we reorganized as an
LLC and spun off the Art show as a separate business
venture. Here is what’s unique: there is no fee
for artists to apply, and we keep the cost to exhibit
as low as possible, we limit participation to approximately
30 juried artists both established and
emerging, we take a modest commission on sales
which motivates us to help artists sell, we memorialize
each show with a quality keepsake art book,
we advertise heavily in 4 national art magazines,
and we make 7 awards of merit for fine art. We
bring on a well-known artist as our featured artist
and awards judge, and we have evolved a theme
celebrating what makes the contemporary American
West unique. We are excited to exhibit in the
Octagon Barn, a true and rare hallmark of Americana,
recently restored by the Land Conservancy
of San Luis Obispo as an accessible regional event
center. We also established a partnership with the
Marriott Courtyard to offer “SLOPOKERs” an
attractive discounted room rate. As in previous
years, we are proud to offer Opolo Wines sponsored
by Opolo Winery of Paso Robles. We are
deeply grateful to the continued sponsorship of this
wonderful Art Book by our friends Keith and Sara
Renken. Please enjoy the SLOPOKE and consider
buying a work of art that appeals to you. As another
friend is wont to say: Once you discover art, as
a creator or a collector, your appreciation of life
will be changed forever.
Tom & Sherie Burgher

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Sponsor Appreciation
Each year, SLOPOKE gains more sponsors. This is
a unique event in that it is designed to support and
promote artists. We are working toward the goal of
recreating SLOPOKE as a 501c3 charitable organization
to enhance our ability to support artists
in their good times and when they need help. If
you would like to be a sponsor or have a role in the
501c3, please contact Tom Burgher as noted on the
back cover.
We also thank Monty and Pat Roberts who invited
us to hold the SLOPOKE on their fabulous Flag Is
Up Farms Horse Ranch from 2017-2024. We are
so thankful to have come to know them and count
them amongst our close friends.
Our dear friends Keith and Sara Renken have been
sponsors and supporters of SLOPOKE from the
beginning. We are ever so grateful for the friendship
and financial support. They truly helped us
make it for 15 years and allowed SLOPOKE to be a
unique organiztions that puts artists first.
We are honored that our
Opening Reception is
sponsored in part by Opolo
Wines of Paso Robles.
We hope you will enjoy
their art of the grape.
Please visit them at:
www.opolo.com.

SLOPOKE Artists 2025
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Derek Harrison . . . Jurist/Featured Artist
Ariel Anton
Karen Anable-Nichols
Elaine Blake
Denise Bradley
Joan Brown
Tom Burgher
Steven Crawley
Frank Eber
Sheryl Knight
Nancy Krause
George Kreutz
Pamela Larsson-Toscher
Kate Maddaloni
Patricia McConathy
Tom Peck
Pat Roberts
Lee Rue
Chris Slatoff
Glenda Stevens
Margaret Stillwell
Jim Stuckenberg
Sierra Sutton
Ezra Tucker
Nelson Tucker
Christy Wilkins
William Wray

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Derek Harrison
Derek Harrison, born in 1983, is a distinguished
American realist painter known for his evocative
figurative and landscape works. A celebrated realist
painter based in Santa Barbara, he brings a masterful
blend of classical technique and contemporary
vision to the 15th Anniversary SLOPOKE Art
of the West Exhibition. A juried member of the
California Art Club and a standout in Southwest
Art Magazine’s “21 Under 31,” Harrison has earned
acclaim for his evocative portrayals of the human
figure set against sweeping Western landscapes.
Cowgirls, 26 x 24, Oil on Panel
His artistic journey began in childhood, inspired
by the natural landscapes of Colorado and later
Southern California. Initially influenced by graffiti
and a tattoo apprenticeship, Harrison transitioned
to fine art, studying at the Los Angeles Academy of
Figurative Art and through workshops with artists
like Jeremy Lipking and Morgan Weistling. His
work blends classical techniques with contemporary
subjects, drawing inspiration from 19th-century
masters like John Singer Sargent.
Harrison’s work often explores themes of solitude,
companionship, and the quiet dignity of rural
life. In Cowgirls, the soft pink and lavender sky
bathes the scene in serenity, evoking a timeless
bond between humans, animals, and nature. The
composition’s balance and atmospheric lighting
reflect Harrison’s skill in capturing mood through
subtle color harmonies and gesture. In The Twilight
Ranch, two women interact with a calm horse. The
flowing skirt of the one atop the fence echoes the
gentle contours of the landscape; the posture of the
other is attentive and grounded. The distant mountains
and dirt path suggest a journey—perhaps
inward as much as outward. Harrison’s attention to
detail, from fabric folds to equine anatomy, elevates
this pastoral scene into a meditation on connection
and quiet strength.
Together, these works exemplify Harrison’s ability
to distill the spirit of the American West into intimate,
poetic narratives. Derek’s work bridges the

Derek Harrison
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romantic tradition of 19th-century Western and
figurative painting with a distinctly contemporary
voice. A full-time painter, his paintings reflect an
ability to merge classical techniques with modern
sensibilities, focusing on the human form and
and western landscapes. Currently based in
Santa Barbara, Harrison teaches at the Los
Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, Westmont
College, and various workshops hoping to inspire
new artists in their search for success.
Twilight Ranch, 28 x 32, Oil on Linen

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Ariel Anton
Ariel Anton stands at the intersection of artistry
and agriculture. Born and raised with deep ties to
livestock and rural life, Anton has turned her early
experiences—raising animals, observing farms,
and participating in 4-H—into the foundation of
a distinctive and heartfelt art practice.
Anton is self-taught, first beginning to paint at age
14. From those formative years, she has cultivated
a skill for rendering animals with character and
personality—not just as static subjects, but as living
beings with histories, moods, and a presence.
Her grasp of anatomy, light, and texture echoes her
intimate familiarity with the creatures themselves.
While pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Science with
a minor in Dairy Science at Cal Poly San Luis
Obispo, she turned commissioned work into more
than just portraits. Her senior capstone project,
titled Art About Agriculture, used painting as a
platform to explore public perceptions of animal
agriculture, misconceptions, and often overlooked
realities of farm life. Through her work she seeks
to open conversations—not only about aesthetics
but also about how animals are treated, viewed,
and valued.
Chestnut Charm, 12 x 9, Acrylic on Canvas
Her medium ranges from acrylics to oils, and she
has shown work in shows such as the California
State Fair Fine Art Show, the SLOPOKE Western
Art Show, and county-level exhibitions celebrating
agriculture. Her animals—cattle, chickens, sheep—
often occupy the foreground in her paintings, with
backgrounds kept simple or evocative, allowing the
viewer’s eye to focus on the subject’s form, expression,
and texture. Recognitions have come in recent
years: she was selected among “21 Under 31”
Young Artists to Watch (2025) by Southwest Art

Ariel Anton
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Magazine, won “Best Painting” at the 2024
SLOPOKE Art Show selected by nationally renowned
Animal Artist Ezra Tucker, and placed
in shows that explicitly pair art with agricultural
themes. Beyond technique, what distinguishes
Anton is her passion. Her advice to other artists—“paint
what you love”—resonates with her
work, which is steeped in authenticity, care, and a
respect for the animals she paints. More than just
record what she sees; she listens, observes, and invites
the viewer into a space where animal, human,
and land coexist. As her art grows in reach and
depth, Ariel offers something beautiful and essential:
a bridge between farm, gallery, and heart.
Snowy Highland, 18 x 24. Acrylic on Canvas

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Karen Anable-Nichols
Karen Anable-Nichols is a California-based artist
whose work reflects a deep connection to the land
and a lifelong dedication to art education and creative
expression. Raised in the rural San Fernando
Valley before its transformation into urban sprawl,
Karen’s early experiences among citrus groves,
orchards, and gardens instilled in her a lasting
affection for nature and self-sufficiency. She
earned her B.A. in Art from California State
University, Northridge, and began her career
as a freelance illustrator, with major clients like
Disney, MGM, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and
the San Diego Zoo. Later, she served as a graphic
designer for the L.A. Community College District
before dedicating 21 years to teaching drawing,
painting, design, art history, and Advanced
Placement Studio Art within the Los Angeles
Unified School District. Her contributions to art
education include work with Glencoe-McGraw
Hill, helping develop and test lessons for widely
used textbooks such as Art Talk and Art in
Focus.
Upon retiring from education in 2008, Karen
founded La Galeria Gitana, the first art gallery
in her hometown, which quickly gained acclaim
across California. In 2015, she relocated to
Northern California, settling in Fair Oaks, where
she embraced a quieter lifestyle and transitioned
into full-time painting, focusing on landscape
painting. She works primarily in oil on canvas or
panel, capturing the diverse beauty of California’s
scenery.
Looking South - Big Sur, 16 x 12, Oil on Panel
Karen deerives inspiration from plein air experiences,
travel photography, and imaginative
memory. Her subjects often reflect the landscapes
and rhythms of California life, blending realism
with expressive design.

Karen Anable-Nichols
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She currently serves as Co-Chair of the
Greater Sacramento Sierra Chapter of the
California Art Club and holds the title of
Associate Artist with Distinction from
American Women Artists.
In Karen’s The Majesty of Point Lobos, she
has created a work that feels both meditative
and quietly powerful. The painting’s
strength lies in its ability to evoke emotion
through restraint—letting the form of the
tree and the mood of the light tell the story.
It’s a piece that rewards slow looking, as
the viewer begins to notice the interplay
between movement and stillness, fragility
and strength.
Looking South - Big Sur presents a serene
yet emotionally layered scene, anchored
by a twisted tree branch conveying resilience
and age. Karen’s detailed brushwork
and use of atmospheric perspective create
depth and realism, while the harmonious
palette of greens and earth tones evokes
tranquility, inviting reflection and a sense
of quiet solitude making it a compelling
meditation on time, nature, and endurance.
Balancing intimacy with grandeur,
it is both a portrait of a tree and a tribute
to Big Sur’s expansive landscape as well as
harmony between land and sea and the
awesome beauty of California’s coast.
The Majesty of Point Lobos, 24 x 18, Oil on Canvas
Her journey—from educator to gallery founder to full-time
artist—embodies a rich tapestry of creativity, community,
and a profound love for the California landscapes.

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Elaine Blake
Elaine Blake is a California-based artist and educator
whose work reflects a deep engagement with
the visual arts and community enrichment. As
an art educator with the Madera Unified School
District, Blake has played a vital role in nurturing
young talent and fostering creative expression in
the Central Valley region. Her artistic practice is
rooted in the vibrant cultural and natural landscapes
of California, often drawing inspiration
from the state’s diverse environments and rich
artistic heritage. Elaine’s work spans various mediums
and styles including both traditional techniques
and contemporary exploration. Her work
evokes a sense of place and personal narrative,
blending color, texture, and form to create visually
compelling compositions. As both a creator and
mentor, Elaine embodies the spirit of California’s
artistic legacy, which values innovation, education,
and the transformative power of art.
Several of Blake’s signature pieces include a hauntingly
intricate rendering of a Bristlecone Pine, a
vibrant close-up of a Red Lily in bloom, and the
majesty of a Palm Turkey. The Bristlecone Pine,
with its gnarled trunk and ancient limbs, speaks to
resilience and time—an emblem of endurance in
California’s high-altitude wilderness. In contrast,
the Red Lily bursts forth with color and vitality,
capturing the fleeting beauty of life in full bloom.
Set against a stark black background, the turkey
emerges as a bold, almost mythic figure; part
creature, part symbol. The contrast heightens the
drama and invites viewers to contemplate the bird
not just as wildlife, but as a canvas for imagination
and transformation. Together, these works reflect
Elaine’s dual fascination with permanence and
impermanence, strength and fragility.
Bristlecone Pine, 36 x 24, Oil on Canvas
A distinguished California artist and educator,

Elaine Blake
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Elaine brings the soul of the Golden State to life
through her evocative and richly textured artworks.
With a career grounded in both creative
practice and arts education , Elaine has cultivated
a legacy of visual storytelling that bridges nature,
The Red Lily, 28 x 22, Oil on Canvas
memory and emotion. These paintings stand as a
testament to Elaine’s creative vision: playful, daring,
and deeply attuned to the expressive potential
of texture and hue. It complements her broader
body of work by adding a touch of whimsy and
surrealism to her catalog of nature-inspired pieces.
Palm Turkey, 36 x 24, Oil on Canvas

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Denise Bradley
Denise Bradley is a California based artist whose
work reflects a deep appreciation for nature, community,
and the transformative power of creativity.
Her expressive plein air landscapes capture
the fleeting beauty of nature. Her artistic journey
began in Rockville Centre, New York, where she
developed a passion for drawing and painting.
She honed her skills at esteemed institutions such
as the New York Academy of Art, Grand Central
Academy, and Old Lyme Academy .
Bradley’s artistic journey began later in life, following
her retirement from the architecture and design
firm she founded in 1992. Her artistic practice is
deeply rooted in the tradition of plein air painting,
where she paints outdoors to capture the dynamic
light, colors, and moods of a scene in real-time.
This approach allows her to embrace the moment
before it passes, creating works that are more than
just images—they are adventures that reflect her
deep connection with the natural world. Her work
has a distinctive style that blends impressionistic
brushwork with a strong sense of place and that is
characterized by its warmth, clarity, and emotional
resonance.
Although this is her first time exhibiting in the
SLOPOKE Art of tthe American West Exhibition
and Sale, Denise’s work has been recognized in
various exhibitions and competitions, and she has
received numerous awards for her dedication to
Red Rock, 12 x 12 , Oil on Linen
the arts and her innovative approach to painting
with oils and gouache. Her dedication to the
plein air tradition and her innovative approach
to painting continue to inspire and influence the
artist community. Through her art, Bradley offers
viewers a chance to connect with the natural world,
bringing the outdoors in and creating a sense of
tranquility. Her work not only captures the beauty
of nature but also invites viewers to experience the
world through her eyes, fostering a deeper appreciation
for the environment.

Denise Bradley
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Bradley’s studio, based in Los Osos, CA, serves as
both a creative haven and a platform for sharing
her evolving body of work. Through her art she
invites viewers to pause, reflect, and find joy in the
everyday beauty that surrounds them. Whether
painting a quiet garden corner or a sweeping
coastal scene, Denise Bradley’s work resonates
with a sense of peace and gratitude—an artist’s
heartfelt tribute to the world she sees and cherishes.
Big Sky Over Open Plains, 14 x 18, Oil on Linen

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Joan Brown
After raising a family and building a successful
career in higher education, Joan returned to her
first passion: fine art. A native Californian, Brown
grew up exploring national parks and camping in
the wide open spaces of the West, experiences that
continue to inspire her work today. Now settled
on the Central Coast of California after many
years in Ashland, Oregon, Joan draws upon the
natural beauty of her surroundings, from coastal
landscapes to the birds she and her husband avidly
observe.
Joan studied extensively with distinguished contemporary
artists, developing both her technical
mastery and a deeply personal voice. Her work,
whether in oil or watercolor, is a unique interpretation
of what she sees and values. She is equally
drawn to figurative subjects, landscapes, and still
lifes, approaching each with sensitivity to light,
color, and atmosphere. Her paintings radiate with
warmth, whether capturing a fleeting moment
of private reflection or the glow of evening light
across a tranquil shoreline. “For me, art is still
about beauty,” she reflects. “Beauty is essential” as
an antidote to the contentiousness of today’s society.
If I can remind someone to pause and notice
the exquisite world around us, I am gratified.” She
confesses that she loves flowers but advised not
to paint them if she wanted to be taken seriously
as an artist. To her credit, she ignored that advice
and sneaks them in anyhow.
Miss Scarlet with Rope, 40 x 30, Oil on Canvas
Although this is her first venture with SLOPOKE,
her award-winning work has been exhibited in
national and international competitions, as well as
regional art museums. In 2025, her watercolor

Joan Brown
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Montaña de Oro received second prize in the
Watercolor Societies’ annual exhibition Aquarius,
juried by Keiko Tanabe. Her paintings have been
selected by Aesthetics, Inc. for installation at the
Irvine Medical Center, extending her vision of
beauty into healing spaces.
From luminous florals and contemplative figures
to the vivid plumage of birds and the expansive
vistas of California, Joan L. Brown’s paintings
embody her love of nature, her keen eye for detail,
and her belief in the enduring power of beauty.
Her Place, 22 x 30, Watercolor

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Tom Burgher
Tom’s work in both photography and more recently
painting reflects a profound appreciation for
storytelling through imagery, where atmosphere,
light, and detail converge to evoke a strong sense
of place and emotion. Whether creating paintings
or photographs, he emphasizes authenticity, capturing
fleeting moments with an eye for form and
nuance with a painterly sensitivity. As a photographer,
Tom demonstrates a mastery of composition,
using natural light and strong contrasts to
heighten the drama of his subjects. He highlights
both the grandeur of landscapes and the intimacy
of human experience, seamlessly shifting between
sweeping vistas and tightly framed details.
Sunset Sailboat Silhouette, 28x22, Ink on Glass
Photograph
Sun Has Set on Hondo Rig, 28x22, Ink on Glass
Photograph

Tom Burgher
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Painting is a new passion for Tom. His brushwork
and color choices evoke a classic Western palette,
yet his compositions feel fresh and modern, embracing
contemporary sensibilities. What unites
Tom’s photography and painting is a consistent
dedication to craft and vision. There is a cinematic
quality to his work—each image feels like a story
unfolding, with the viewer invited to step into the
scene and imagine the narrative behind it. Whether
through the lens or the brush his images invite
viewers to look deeply into the spirit of Earthly life.
Painted Sky. 22x28. Ink on Glass Photograph
Sometimes he’s at the right place at the right time
but much of his photoart results from creative assemblage
of several images into a composition.
Vanishing Storm at Morro Rock, 10 x 20, Oil
Heading West, 22 x 28, Ink on Glass Photograph
Morning Light on Coastal Peaks, 10 x 20, Oil

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Steven Crawley
Steven Crawley is an inventive Texan artist whose
creative spectrum spans traditional fine art, digital
design, and art education. Raised in East Texas,
Crawley’s journey led him to earn a Bachelor
of Fine Arts in Illustration from the prestigious
Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida. This
fertile academic grounding led him into a career as
an illustrator for Lisa Frank in Tucson, where his
vibrant, whimsical designs found their way into
mass-market products at giants like Walmart,
Target, Costco, and Walgreens. Coining the term
“Tradigital Art” for a hybrid approach that fuses
handcrafted techniques with vector-based efficiency,
Steven produces custom Adobe Illustrator tools
Commanche Canyon, 18 x 24, Oil on Canvas

Steven Crawley
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that streamline complex design elements like
a detailed rope or lace trims. Beyond digital
innovation, he continues to explore traditional
materials and techniques including scratchboard,
expressive oil pastels and oil painting. All of his
art showcases his penchant for detail, whimsy,
and personal reflection.
A passionate educator at Royal High School in
Brookshire, Texas, Crawley enriches his students’
creative journeys by drawing from their assignments,
transforming classroom explorations into
his own evolving portfolio. This reciprocal relationship
underscores his belief in collaborative
growth and artistic exchange.
Trailblazers, 18 x 24, Oil on Canvas

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Frank Eber
Frank Eber is an internationally recognized painter
whose art is celebrated for its luminous atmosphere,
poetic restraint, and deeply emotive qualities.
Working primarily in watercolor and oil, Frank’s
style merges technical mastery with a meditative
sensitivity to the world around him. His paintings
invite viewers into quiet moments of observation,
where fleeting light, subtle tonal shifts,
and nuanced compositions transform the ordinary
into the extraordinary.
After the Ride, 16 x 20, Oil on Panel

Frank Eber
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Born and raised in Europe,
Frank’s early artistic training
exposed him to classical traditions
of drawing and painting.
This foundation, combined with
his later travels throughout the
USA and abroad, shaped an
artistic vision that bridges oldworld
sensibility with contemporary
freshness. His watercolors
in particular reveal an ability
to capture both precision and
spontaneity. Loose, atmospheric
washes flow seamlessly into
controlled details, which evokes
mood without sacrificing structure.
This balance is a hallmark
of his work, setting him apart as
both technician and storyteller.
Leffingwell Breakers, 11 x 14, Oil on Panel
The subjects of Eber’s paintings are often grounded
in the familiar: rural landscapes, quiet streets,
rustic architecture, and everyday human activity.
Yet within these seemingly simple scenes lies a
profound meditation on light and time. He often
paints at transitional hours—dawn, dusk, or under
shifting skies, when natural light imbues the scene
with a sense of impermanence and poetry. His
restrained palette and ability to control tonal values
allow him to suggest atmosphere in a way that feels
timeless and evocative.
Beyond his visual achievements, Eber’s work
resonates because of its emotional depth. There is
a sense of solitude and reflection in many of his
compositions, offering the viewer space for personal
interpretation. Whether depicting a sunlit countryside
or a weathered facade, his paintings invite
us to pause, breathe, and rediscover the beauty in
moments we might otherwise overlook.
In every medium and subject, Frank Eber’s art
reveals a profound respect for nature, light, and the
quiet poetry of life.

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Sheryl Knight
California landscape painter Sheryl Knight brings a
luminous serenity to Western vistas, capturing nature’s
quiet grandeur with a deft balance of realism
and emotional resonance. Known for her plein air
discipline and refined studio technique, Knight’s
work evokes the timeless beauty of the American
West while remaining deeply personal; each canvas
a meditation on light, atmosphere, and place. Her
painting Clouds Over String Lake exemplifies this
sensibility. Set in the majestic terrain of Grand
Teton National Park, the scene unfolds with crystalline
clarity: snow-capped peaks rise in the distance,
mirrored in the still waters of String Lake.
A dense forest of evergreens anchors the compo-
Clouds Over String Lake, 18 x 24, Oil on Canvas

Sheryl Knight
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sition, while scattered boulders and soft cloud
cover lend texture and depth. Knight’s palette is restrained
yet radiant—cool blues, silvery grays, and
warm earth tones harmonize to create a tranquil
mood that invites reflection. What distinguishes
Sheryl’s approach is her ability to render the sublime
without theatricality. Her brushwork is confident
but never showy, allowing the natural forms to
speak for themselves. In this painting, the interplay
of light and shadow is particularly masterful: the
diffused sunlight filtering through the clouds casts
a gentle glow across the landscape, suggesting both
the passage of time and the permanence of place.
Born in northern California, Sheryl’s artistic
journey began along the Central Coast, where she
developed a deep affinity for coastal and mountain
environments. Her work has been exhibited
nationally and collected widely, earning accolades
for its technical precision and emotive power. She
is a Signature Member of Oil Painters of America
and the American Impressionist Society, and her
paintings frequently appear in juried exhibitions
and museum shows across the West. At SLOPOKE,
her contribution underscores the exhibition’s
mission: to celebrate the enduring uniquesness and
spirit of the American West through contemporary
interpretation. Clouds Over String Lake is more
than a landscape—it is a quiet homage to nature’s
resilience and grace, rendered with the clarity of
a seasoned eye and the heart of a true Western
painter.
Leaves of Gold, 15 x 20, Oil on Canvas
Sheryl’s Leaves of Gold offers a contemplative
vision of the American West, capturing the Applegate
River in southern Oregon bathed in the golden
hues of autumn. With a palette of warm ochres and
cool violet shadows, she evokes the quiet majesty
of nature in transition. Her composition draws the
viewer into a moment of stillness—where the rustling
of leaves and the hush of distant mountains
suggest a deeper rhythm beneath the surface. This
painting shifts the focus from the mythic West of
cowboys and cattle drives to the poetic intimacy of
place. Rather than dramatizing the West, Knight
honors its quieter truths: the passage of seasons,
the solitude of riverside groves, and the enduring
beauty of land untouched by spectacle. Her work
invites viewers to consider the West not only as a
site of adventure, but as a sanctuary of reflection. .

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Nancy Krause
Nancy Krause is a jewelry artist based in Colorado
Springs, Colorado, known for her distinctive
designs that blend earthy tones with ethnic influences.
Her work often features natural materials
and reflects a fusion of cultural aesthetics, creating
pieces that are both unique and wearable. While
at Colorado State University, Nancy majored in
Illustration and Design. Upon graduation, she
began her career as an illustrator working at Hallmark
Cards where she met and then married her
husband Ezra Tucker, a nationally renown western
and animal artist. Both have exhibited several
Hat Band / Necklace, Bone
Beads, Resin Crow Skull
Wooden Ribs on Leather.
Pheasant Feather Ornament
in Sterling Silver Cone.
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Leather Fringe Necklace
Carved Bone Skull Encased
in Nepali Silver
A Large Selection of Handmade Jewelry Art by Artist Nancy Krause

Ezra Tucker & Nelson Tucker
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Peregrine Falcon Male, 11 x 14, Acrylic on Board
Horse, 10x8, Scratchboard by Nelson Tucker
times at SLOPOKE and Ezra was our Featured Artist
and Awards Judge in 2024. After an 11-year hiatus
to raise a family, it was original jewelry art that got
Nancy’s interest. Nancy is representing some of
Ezra’s and son Nelson’s art works. Ezra is famous for
his portraits of animals that convey their individual
character and persomality as shown by his painting
of a falcon, below. One of their sons, Nelson also has
the drive to create art which is gaining nstional attention.
Born into an artistic family, he pursued
formal art education at Columbus College of Art
and Design and further honed his skills at the 2017
Illustration Academy in Kansas. With a preference
for traditional media and methods, imcluding pen
and ink, scratchboard, pencil, acrylics, oils, and
digital arts. he is known for his mastery of scratch
board, a medium he has elevated through meticulous
technique and expressive storytelling. In 2024,
Nelson was featured in Southwest Art Magazine’s
prestigious “21 Under 31” list, spotlighting emerging
artists under the age of 31 to watch. His work
has been exhibited in renowned galleries, including
Broadmoor Galleries and Trailside Galleries.

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George Kreutz
George Kreutz is a distinguished plein air artist
based on California’s Central Coast, renowned for
his evocative landscape paintings that capture the
essence of the American West. His work is characterized
by vibrant color palettes and dynamic
compositions, often depicting scenes from his
extensive travels across the Untied States.
George’s approach to painting is deeply rooted in
the tradition of plein air, the practice of painting
outdoors to capture the natural light and atmosphere
of a scene. He regularly paints with the
Central Coast Chapter of the California Art Club
as well as other organizations. Influenced by
workshops with notable artists like John Cosby,
Kreutz employs a technique where he applies
paint in discrete patches of value and color,
allowing the eye to mix them at a distance. This
method creates a harmonious interplay of light
and texture, bringing his landscapes to life with
immediacy and freshness. His works often feature
sweeping vistas, rugged terrains, and intimate
studies of nature, reflecting his deep connection
to the environments he portrays.
Whaler’s Cove, 18 x 24, Oil on Canvas

George Kreutz
31
Beyond local exhibitions, Kreutz is a regular
attendee of the Plein Air Convention & Expo
(PACE), an annual event that gathers plein air artists
from across the country. His participation and
his continuous engagement with the broader artistic
community underscores his commitment to the
plein air movement and his continuous engagement
with the broader artistic community.
Grand Canyon Blue, 24 x 30, Oil on Canvas

32
Pamela Larsson-Toscher
Pamela Larsson-Toscher was born in Seattle and
raised in Kingston, Jamaica, where she received
early artistic mentorship from Barrington Watson—founder
of the Jamaica College of Art—and
by age fourteen was already exhibiting in island
galleries. Her formative years continued in the
Bay Area of California, where she studied with
notable artists Raymond Saunders, Jan Saether,
and Bela Bacsi, absorbing techniques ranging
from Abstract Expressionism to Old Master
methodologies. Saether even shared
Velázquez’s medium formula with her—an
influence she still employs. Now based in Santa
Barbara, Larsson-Toscher has developed a signature
style she calls “Realism Re-Imagined,”
figurative oil works on linen that transcend
straight forward representation to embrace storytelling,
symbolism, and a sense of dream-like
Unexpected Danger, 25 x 31, Oil on Linen

Pamela Larsson-Toscher
33
escapism. She paints intuitively, often without preliminary
sketches : She simply puts color on canvas
and sees what emerges allowing imagery to surface
from the unconscious and guide her decisions.
Pamela’s work has been described as surreal and
dreamscape-infused, rich in visual metaphor, emotional
depth, and personal narrative. These paintings
serve both aesthetic and therapeutic roles. She
believes art is healing, an embodiment of personal
transformation. During the pandemic, her studio
Spring Time, 16 x 20, Oil on Linen
became a site of renewal and gestation for new
work that moved from constraint toward liberation.
A dedicated member of the arts community,
she serves on the exhibitions committee of Santa
Barbara Studio Artists and regularly participates in
regional tours and gallery exhibits. Pamela
Larsson-Toscher crafts a world where realism and
imagination coalesce—and through color and
form, invites viewers into stories both vivid and
quietly profound.

34
Kate Maddaloni
The Saddle of Wisdom, 16 x 20, Oil on Canvas
Kate Maddaloni is a Central Coast California artist
whose work beautifully intertweaves her deep
rooted connection to ranch life with her passion
for fine art. Raised on a ranch in Edna Valley, San
Luis Obispo, she grew up immersed in the rhythm
of rural life: riding horses, competing in rodeos,
and cultivating an appreciation for the Western
landscape. This experience with the land and its
animals influenced her artistic expression.
Hooked since the moment she could wrap her
fingers around a pencil and scribble around on her
piece of paper, her hands seemed to always be
drawn to anything that she could use to translate
what was floating in her minds eye into art. Growing
up on a ranch and showing horses and dogs,
cultivated a love for the physical structure of these
animals and fostered her love for recreating their
beauty with as many artistic disciplines as possible.

Kate Maddaloni
35
Beyond her personal artistic endeavors, Kate has
contributed to the art community by modeling for
other artists, offering insights into the world
of ranching and rodeo. Her collaboration with
fellow artist Derek Harrison, who sought a model
experienced with horses and ranch life, led to a
fruitful partnership where she not only posed for
artworks but studied with him and also provided
valuable feedback.
Living, breathing, and training in the modern
western world, shows through in each stroke of
her work. Being able to capture these daily endeavors
in time through physical art, holds more
weight in feelings and memory than she could
ever load into a photograph or speech. The magic
Moody Edna Valley, 10 x 12, Oil on Canvas
Queen Bee, 16 x 14, Oil on Canvas
of transporting ones mind to an exact moment,
exact feeling, or to see where it takes others minds,
never ceases to be a wonder. Drawing connections
between humans and their animals, especially
horse and rider, is an incredibly important element
to Kate. Portraying these delicate moments is at
the heart of western art. Kate’s art serves as a testament
to the enduring spirit of the American West,
capturing its beauty, challenges and the intimate
bond between humans, animals and the land.

36
Patricia McConathy
Patricia “Tricia” McConathy’s art reflects a lifelong
devotion to color, light, and the natural world.
Raised in North Louisiana, she developed an early
love of nature, animals, and gardens through the
influence of her grandparents. Artistic influence
came early through her uncle Ron, a gifted artist,
and private lessons with Jasmine Morelock. By
sixth grade, McConathy had won awards for illustrated
storytelling, and her passion for oil painting
deepened under the guidance of Ann Slagle and
Fred Goza, who selected her for advanced study at
the Caddo Career Center.
She earned a BFA in design from LSU Baton Rouge
and studied art history in Italy, where the Tuscan
hills left a lasting impression.After a successful career
as a graphic designer and art director, McConathy
shifted her focus to raising a family, photography,
and her deep passion for horses, ranching, and
the western landscape. Ranching and equestrian
pursuits, such as barrel racing and English Hunter
riding led eventually to breeding horses and cattle
on her Colorado ranch. The mountain landscapes
and ranch life became subjects of her photography
and later, her paintings.
Although she painted as a young woman, McConathy
returned seriously to oil painting in 2018
while living in Colorado, studying with French
artist Marcel Kahkak and later through workshops
such as Plein Air Live and Watercolor Live. She
now works primarily in oils, drawn to their rich,
Harbor at Dusk, 14 x 11, Oil on Linen
buttery quality. Whether painting a horse, a flower,
or a California seascape, McConathy builds her
compositions with strong shapes, layering light and
detail to capture the spirit of her subject. Her work
ranges from realism to modern impressionism,
always infused with a sensitivity to light, atmosphere,
and emotion.

Patricia McConathy
37
Recent works, such as Early Morning Matilija Poppies
and a twilight view of Santa Barbara Harbor
at Dusk, embody her desire to translate memory,
beauty, and a sense of place into paint. For McConathy,
painting is both meditative and expressive,
offering viewers moments of nostalgia, joy, and
connection to nature.
Looking ahead, McConathy plans to pursue larger
series focused on barns, equine subjects, and
California’s natural beauty. Her legacy is rooted
in sharing the joy and emotion she finds in the
world around her, hoping to inspire others—especially
her grandchildren—to see and paint the
beauty of the West.
Early Morning Matilija Poppies, 11 x 14, Oil on Linen

38
Tom Peck
The art work of Tom Peck ranges from vibrant
landscapes and coastal scenes to expressive figurative
sculptures. He began his artistic journey
after earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from
the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles.
His career spanned 30 years as an award-winning
art director and creative director in advertising,
working across cities like Toronto, New York, and
San Francisco. He left behind the successful career
in advertising to fully dedicate himself to fine
art painting and sculpture. In painting, he seeks
to express the essence of something personally
meaningful, executed in a fresh and engaging
Western Hill Country, 36 x 36, Oil on Canvas
Equus
21 x 14 x 3.5 Bronze
manner. It is this characteristic
of his art that attracted
the attention of SLOPOKE.
In his sculptural work, he
is drawn to primitive and
gestural forms, emphasizing
simplicity, integrity,
and strength over detailed
realism. An example is
Equus, shown here in which
he explores shape, form,
and posture. He seeks to
capture the power of suggestion
rather than trying to
replicate realism. In either
media, Tom is a risk taker
and finds calculated risk is
vital to his creative process.
In his paintings, expect dynamic, loose brushstrokes
with shifts in tone and texture that portray
atmospheric kinetics used to convey mood through
tension rather than fine detail. A contrast between
warm earth tones, suggesting sunlit ground and
cooler grays or blues, implying an advancing sky
could evoke the emotional tension of shifting
weather. Tom may frame elements like rolling hills,
open skies, or silhouetted shapes to create a sense
of impending movement, whereby the composition
can balance the calm before a storm with the
turbulence yet to come. Tom approaches sculpture
with the same ethos he brings to painting: embracing
simplicity, gesture, and emotional resonance.

Tom Peck
39
“I like to work in gestures and suggestions rather
than details, again finding the simplest expression
of something that intrigues me.”. He blends durable
mediums (bronze, clay, metal) with lighter or
tactile elements (wire, cord), creating a tension
between permanence and fragility. His sculptures
feel universal neither time-bound nor tied to specific
identity. The choice of minimalist yet expressive
forms invites personal projection. Tom’s works
aren’t about clear narratives but about eliciting
feeling and by embracing risk in art, he discovers
authenticity.
Mission San Antonia, 30 x 40, Oil on Canvas

40
Pat Roberts
Pat Roberts, accomplished sculptor and lifelong
horsewoman, channels her deep connection to the
equine world into bronze works that are as expressive
as they are technically refined. With decades
of experience as both an artist and co-founder
of Flag Is Up Farms with her husband, legendary
horse trainer Monty Roberts, she brings firsthand
knowledge of horse behavior, anatomy, and spirit
into every sculpture. Her art is known for its fluid
Don’t Mess with Mama, 13.5 x 14 x 13.5 Bronze
motion, emotional depth, and authentic storytelling,
qualities that speak to knowledgeaable collectors.
Don’t Mess with Mama, a powerful bronze
that portrays a fiercely protective mare shielding
her foal. The sculpture resonates with themes
of strength, tenderness, and maternal in-stinct,
embodying the natural drama of life on the ranch.
Equally striking is Abilene, a commanding bronze
that captures the strength and quiet dignity of a
longhorn steer, caught in a moment of stillness on
the open range. Both pieces exemplify Roberts’
ability to balance realism with an artistic sensitivity
that elevates her work beyond representation.
She translates her first-hand knowledge of horses,
cattle, and wildlife into works of art that speak to
riders, collectors, and animal lovers alike. Each
piece conveys a moment of motion—whether a
spirited gallop, a quiet pause, or the subtle communication
between horse and handler—inviting
viewers to feel the energy and dignity of the animal.
Pat Roberts’ sculptures often extend beyond
the horse itself, reflecting Western traditions,
ranch life, and the timeless connection between
humans and the natural world. Her bronzes range
from small, intimate studies to large-scale tabletop
commissions, each bearing the same attention
to detail and reverence for her subject matter.
Through her art, Roberts has carved a legacy that
bridges her passion for horses and her creative
vision, ensuring her place among respected sculptors
of the American West. Her work inspirs admiration
for the horse as both companion and muse.

Pat Roberts
41
Abilene, 21 x 26 x 12. Bronze

42
Lee Rue
Born in Suzhou, China in 1962, Lee Rue later
immigrated to the United States and earned his
Master of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art
University in San Francisco. Alongside his flourishing
career as an artist, he also nurtured future
generations as an educator, teaching art, design,
and lighting techniques at institutions including
the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising,
Academy of Art University, and UC Berkeley
Extension.
The compelling artistry of Lee Rue’s work skillfully
blends realistic foundations with impressionistic
flair—employing vibrant colors, expressive
strokes, and masterful manipulation of light
to convey emotion, mood, and narrative. His
paintings often center around Western themes
Affection, 22 x 28, Oil on Canvas
One Brave Emergency Response, 11 x 14,
Oil on Canvas
gating rugged terrain, while portraying the vast
Western vistas, rural homesteads, and natural
environments of the American West infusing a
sense of romanticism and historical resonance
with both detail and drama. His paintings have
been selected for national showcases by organizations
such as OPA, AIS, CAC, and NOAPS earning
accolades including Best Figurative Art Award at
the SLOPOKE Art of the West Shows in Solvang,
California (2024) and the Artists’ Choice Award at
SLOPOKE in 2023. Also, Best of Show – 2 Dimensional
Award at the Old West Art Show in Montana
(2023)and multiple Phippen Museum Foundation
Awards in Western Art Shows in Arizona
(2022, 2024). People’s Choice Award at the Mountain
View Americana Art Show in South Carolina.

Lee Rue
43
Lee’s evocative oil paintings fuse realism with
impressionistic nuance. Celebrating Western heritage,
equine movement, and atmospheric landscapes,
his work resonates with nostalgic vitality
and technical finesse. Recognized across national
art platforms and juried exhibitions, Rue
continues to build a respected legacy as a western
artist.
When Their Men Are Up There Hunting, 22 x 28 Oil on Canvaas

44
Chris Slatoff
Christopher Slatoff is a distinguished California
sculptor whose practice centers on monumental
figurative works imbued with spiritual and narrative
depth. Trained at California State University
Long Beach and the Université d’Aix-Marseille,
Slatoff ’s early immersion in both classical and contemporary
traditions shaped a career devoted to
the expressive potential of the human form.
His public commissions span universities, churches,
and civic spaces, including the 13-foot crucifix
at USC’s Caruso Catholic Center and the bronze
monument of Judge Robert Maclay Widney,
founder of the University of Southern California.
Slatoff ’s liturgical sculptures—such as his Pietà at
Mission San Diego and Stations of the Cross for
the Via Dolorosa Society—demonstrate a profound
engagement with sacred iconography. Slatoff ’s
work is characterized by anatomical precision,
emotional resonance, and a commitment to public
dialogue through art. His sculptures invite contemplation,
bridging classical form with contemporary
relevance. Because of his commitment to figurative
storytelling, anatomical rigor, and public engagement,
his sculptures often serve as focal points for
reflection—whether in academic, religious, or civic
settings. He serves as Sculpture Chairman of the
California Art Club and teaches at Art Center College
of Design, the Getty Center, and Fuller Theological
Seminary, where he is Artist in Residence.
The Fresno Sheriffs Memorial recently dedicated
Chris Slatoff ’s lifelike bagpiper statue overlooking
Sculpture for the Fresno Sheriff ’s Memorial
the memorial in honor of the sacrifices of 21 fallen
Fresno Sheriff Officers. A common tradition with
law enforcement, this sculpture sets a reverent tone
and is funded by the community.

Chris Slatoff
45
Sculpture Proposed for Shell Beach; Work Contiunes at SLOPOKE
Chris has responded to citizens interest in Shell
Beach for a permanent sculpture that relflects
the history or the activities popular in the City of
Pismo Beach. Although no commitment from the
City yet, Chris is working on a large size mockup
in clay and he will continue working on it during
the SLOPOKE Art of the West Show in San Luis
Obispo at the Octagon Barn Event Center so that
interested parties can observe the process of creating
a sculpture and discuss how the project can
move forward.

46
Glenda Stevens
Glenda Stevens is an American painter known
for her heartfelt, narrative-driven work in acrylic.
Her compositions span spiritual themes,
human emotion, serene scenes, and expressive
whimsy. Rooted in realism, her pieces are crafted
Stilletos, 20 x 16, Acrylic on Canvas
Smokin’ Eve, 48 x 32, Oil on Board
with authenticity and often carry an emotional or
symbolic weight. Through traditional methods,
Stevens remains committed to transforming inspiration
into art that resonates and endures. Stevens
aims to depict her subjects truthfully and with
honest emotion. Her work often portrays women
in contemplative settings or moments of solitude

Glenda Stevens
47
with sincerity and clarity. Stevens thrives on storytelling
through her art, transforming sketches and
photographs into complete, emotionally resonant
works. Many of her paintings communicate stories
through expressive detail and atmosphere.
Glenda is a versatile artist whose work evokes
both quiet reflextion and narrative depth while
connecting the spirritual to daily routines.
Merlot, 18 x 24, Oil on Board

48
Margaret Stillwell
Margaret Stillwell is an artist of profound emotional
depth and visual poetry. Her journey from
physical adversity to creative renaissance has
shaped a body of work that blends abstraction
with narrative, realism with introspection that resulted
in an evocative and richly textured body of
work. Margaret embraced art later in life, embarking
upon her artistic career only after enduring
years of physical challenges. Her creative awaken-
After three long years of not being able to live her
life pain free, she began reinventing herself as an
artist. Her romantic narrative abstract art is rich
in dipicting the exploration of one’s psyche and
the soulful interactions that occur along the way.
Layered with emotion, memory, and metaphor,
her paintings explore themes of inner journeys,
soulful connection, and the transformative power
of quiet wonder.
Crystal Bar, 30 x 36, Mixed Media Oil
on Canvas
ing echoes the resilience and depth found in the
work of Frida Kahlo which is rooted in the need
for self-expression and reinvention. Previously
engaged in other professions, Stillwell refers to
painting as her “third career.” Her artistic narrative
springs from a deeply personal place—each work
is part of a healing and rediscovery process.
The Dance, 24 x 20, Mixed Media Oil on Canvas

Margaret Stillwell
49
As a lifelong horsewoman, Stillwell has a special
affinity for equine subjects—many early sketches
featured horses, a motif that has returned powerfully
in her mature work, often inspired by wild
mustangs near her Nevada home. Margaret characterizes
her style as “abstract realism”—edgy and
expressive, yet recognizable—achieving a balance
that invites viewers into a familiar yet emotionally
resonant world.
Got Your Back, 20 x 24, Mixed Media on Canvas
Mustang Sally, 16 x 12, Mixed Media Oil
on Canvas
Stillwell’s creative philosophy centers on “follow
that dream!”—a mantra rooted in her belief in
life’s journey, spiritual insight, and the connetions
we forge along the way. Her art is grounded in the
notion of personal transformation, soulful intersections,
and emotional honesty. She values community
and mentorship, often seeking feedback
and collaborating with fellow artists to enrich her
practice. Margaret Stillwell’s paintings invite us
into a world of quiet reflection, soul-stirring beauty,
and the enduring strength of dreams realized.

50
Sierra Sutton
Sierra is a California based biologist and artist
whose work bridges the worlds of science and creativity.
Her oil paintings celebrate the beauty and
balance of the natural world. Trained as a biologist
with an emphasis in botany, she brings a scientist’s
eye for detail to her self-taught artistic practice.
Her work highlights the connections between
wildlife, native plants, and the landscapes of the
American West, particularly of California and the
Sonoran Desert, blending realism with imaginative
composition.
Inspired by the San Bernardino and San Gabriel
Mountains near her home, as well as the dramatic
deserts of the Southwest, Sierra finds her deepest
joy in exploring nature. She believes that both
science and art are ways of learning to see—inviting
us to slow down, notice the small details, and
recognize the Divine in the world around us. Her
paintings carry that sense of reverence, offering
viewers a moment of peace and connection.
Understory: California Buttercup, 20 x 10, Oil
This is Sierra’s first showing in the SLOPOKE Art
of the West Exhibition and Sale. In 2024, she was
honored to exhibit at the Phippen Museum’s 50th
Western Art Show & Sale in Prescott, Arizona,
a landmark juried event celebrating five decades
of Western art. She has also shown at the Sedona
Arts Festival (AZ), the Palm Springs Art Festival
(CA), and the Desert Art Festival in Rancho Mirage
(CA).

Sierra Sutton
51
October Glow, 16 x 16, Oil on Panel
Making Friends, 8 x 8, Oil on Panel
Understory: California Pitcher Plant,
20 x 10, Oil

52
James Stuckenberg
James “Jim” Stuckenberg, born in St. Louis, Missouri,
is a sculptor and painter whose career has
been devoted to capturing the spirit of the American
West. Born completely deaf, he overcame
early challenges by mastering lip-reading and
speech at the Central Institute for the Deaf before
transferring to Fresno State University, where he
earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry
and Art. His education, paired with his real life
experience as a cowboy and horseman, provided
the foundation for his life’s work.
A skilled rodeo competitor, Stuckenberg rode
bulls and broncs, finishing third in the West Coast
standings during his college years. He also worked
breaking mustangs, training quarter horses, and
caring for thoroughbreds at California racetracks.
This hands-on experience with horses and ranch
life became the heartbeat of his artistic practice.
His bronzes, oils, watercolors, and ink drawings
resonate with authenticity, portraying cowboys,
bucking broncos, and Western landscapes with
vigor and movement that only a true cowboy-artist
could capture.
Stuckenberg’s bronzes, oils, watercolors, and ink
drawings capture the vitality of horses, cowboys,
and frontier life with remarkable accuracy. He
often says he paints “from the seat of his pants,”
reflecting his instinctive approach and deep bond
with his subjects. His art is admired for its dynamic
realism especially his bronzes are praised for
their sense of motion—moments where horse and
rider are caught in perfect, dramatic balance,
freezing in time their raw energy.
Planning for the Day, 29 x 24, Oil on Canvas
Among Western artists, Stuckenberg holds a distinctive
place as both peer and influence. His dual
identity as a working cowboy and accomplished

James Stuckenberg
53
artist has inspired younger generations to pursue
authenticity in their depictions of the West. Rather
than romanticizing, he insisted on truth—horses
buck as they do in life, cowboys lean as they must
in the saddle. His work helped set a standard for
accuracy and vitality in contemporary cowboy art,
ensuring that the Western tradition remains both
honored and alive.
in cowboy art. By uniting the real life grit of a
working cowboy with the eye of an artist, Stuckenberg
preserves the traditions of the West while
Within the Western art community, Stuckenberg
is recognized not only for his skill but also for his
authenticity which has influenced younger artists,
by setting a high standard for accuracy and vitality
Rarin’ to Go, 6 x 5 x 13, Bronze
inspiring new generations to approach the subject
with honesty and passion. His legacy endures as
one of the last true “cowboy artists.”
The Brave and the Majestic, 7 x 10 x 14, Bronze

54
Christy Wilkins
Christy Wilkins is a California native who grew up
in Moss Beach, immersed in the natural wonders
of the coast: tide pools, cypress-clad cliffs, and the
rhythmic crashing of waves. These early experiences
deeply influence her art today. She is predominantly
a self-taught artist, having honed her
craft through painting with her mother, guidance
from her high school art teacher, community
classes, and collaborative creative sessions with
friends. Additionally, she spent a year studying
at the California College of Arts and Crafts in
Oakland.
California Crusher, 48 x 60, acrylic on Canvas

Christy Wilkins
55
Wilkins maintains a working studio/gallery at Studios
on the Park in Paso Robles where she often
works on weekdays and displays her available pieces.
Wilkins works primarily in acrylics, creating
whimsical, color-rich paintings that exude motion,
emotion, and imaginative storytelling. Her pieces
often blend fantasy with elements drawn from
everyday life—capturing a “play on life, emotions,
dreams, and reality” through vivid imagery.
Her lifelong connection to the ocean is a recurring
theme. Scenic memories from the Northern California
coast to Monterey Bay, and even explorations
through scuba diving experiences—ranging
from shipwrecks off Florida’s Gulf to reefs around
Roatán, Honduras—continue to inform the mood
and subjects of her paintings.
She is an active member and board director of the
Paso Robles Art Association. A feature in Paso
Robles Daily News highlights Wilkins’ move into
her own gallery space at Studios on the Park. The
article notes her range—from abstract seascapes to
imaginative fantasy—and calls her work “fascinating
and absolutely stunning.” It further recognizes
her as a best-selling artist and frequent award
winner.
Although this is Christy’s first time exhibiting with
SLOPOKE, She has participated in multiple local
art events including a collaborative landscape exhibition
at Odyssey World Café alongside another
Tide Pools, 20 x 20, Acrylic on Canvas
local artist,which showcased her unique style in
representing nature’s beauty.
Christy Wilkins continues to enchant viewers with
her imaginative, sea-infused visions. Whether
through gallery shows or public art events, her
work evokes a sense of wonder, joy, and connection
to California coastal beauty.

56
William Wray
William Wray (b. 1956) is a painter whose career
bridges the worlds of illustration, animation, and
fine art. Raised in a military family, Wray spent
his childhood moving across the globe before
settling in California, where drawing became both
a solace and a discipline. At age 10, his family
settled in Costa Mesa, California, where Wray
found his artistic footing. He attended Orange
Coast College, though he left to pursue animation
full-time, studying evenings with a retired Disney
animator. In 1985, he moved to New York to attend
the Art Students League while doing illustration
work for Marvel and DC Comics. His early
passion for comics and animation led to work
with studios such as Disney, Hanna-Barbera, and
Filmation, and later to notable contributions as a
background painter on The Ren & Stimpy Show,
Samurai Jack, and other animated projects. For
many years, his distinctive visual storytelling also
appeared as a long running satire series in the
Pastoral Landscape, 41 x 62, Oil on Canvas

William Wray
57
pages of Mad magazine and co-created Hellboy
Junior with Mike Mignola
Around 2004, Wray shifted his focus toward fine
art, pursuing a vision he describes as “realistic
expressionism”—a dynamic fusion of representational
accuracy and expressive brushwork. His
paintings often depict the overlooked corners of
California’s urban landscape: aging motels, alleyways,
storefronts, and the industrial sprawl of the
Los Angeles River. These works elevate the ordinary
and the forgotten, transforming “blight” into
subjects of surprising beauty and resonance.
Wray’s palette is bold yet nuanced, his compositions
grounded in strong design while energized
by gestural brushstrokes. He captures not just the
physicality of his subjects, but the atmosphere and
memory they evoke, often imbuing his paintings
with a quiet nostalgia. Viewers frequently remark
that his work feels timeless, as if recording scenes
already half-vanished.
An active member of the California Art Club, Oil
Painters of America, and the Laguna Plein Air
Painters Association, Wray has exhibited widely
and earned recognition in plein-air competitions
and juried shows. His artistic journey reflects a lifelong
commitment to observing, interpreting, and
preserving fleeting moments in both urban and
cultural landscapes.
Horse Soldier, 18 x 12, Oil on Canvas
Today, William Wray stands as a leading voice
in contemporary urban impressionism, offering
viewers new ways of seeing beauty in the evryday.

58

59

60

The SLOPOKE Story
61
A random phone call received
while on an international business
trip in the twilight years of my
aerospace career led to the
purchase of a retail art gallery in
2008. This was just in time for
the global financial crisis with
the bankruptcy of America’s
4th largest investment bank in
October of that year. By 2010,
Sherie and I had learned two
facts: 1) retail galleries anywhere
depended on semi-random walkin
trade, but 2) customers would
travel to a themed art show of
interest. Seeing the attraction
of the wealthy to the Jackson Hole
Art Auction in 2009 and a visit
to the Masters of the American
West Exhibition at the Autry
Museum in 2010 convinced
us of a sustainable market for
quality western-themed art
professionally presented. So, cowpoke, and “Rodeo” is a
we established the SLOPOKE
Western Art Rodeo in 2011. For
5 years, it was presented as a
multiple-artist gallery-managed
event in the month of July. We
sought a memorable name for
the show. “SLO” was for San
Luis Obispo, “Poke” connoted
Spanish word for “round up”
which is what we did with juried
western artists annually. In 2016,
we reorganized our business
assets making the SLOPOKE a
separate business entity to be presented
in a public place. So now
that we owned an annual remote
from the gallery art show, we
needed walls. Purchasing manufactured
museum walls or renting
walls from larger trade shows
proved impractical due weight
and cost. With some “Yankee
ingenuity,” we designed and built
our own walls balancing size,
weight, durability, and assembly
concerns. We received permission
to use a former paved open space
where a building once stood in
Pismo Beach to use as a weekend
“factory.” With the help of friends,
artist and gallery owner Karen and
Bill Fedderson, and Karen Peterson,
working with Sherie, Tom and our
youngest son Andrew, we unloaded
materials from a 26-ft truck, assembled,
glued, nailed, painted and reloaded
the truck and then delivered

62
The SLOPOKE Story
SLOPOKE at the Pismo Beach
Veteran’s Hall and continue to be
used today. In 2017, one of our
fifty (50) 8’ x 4’ x 2” thick walls
for storage in one weekend. These
walls were first used for the 2016
artists, sculptor Pat Roberts,
offered the ranch that she and
Monty Roberts owned as the
venue if we would move the
show to the SantaYnez Valley
and continue to operate it. We
shortened the name to just
at their Flag Is Up Farms from
2018 until 2024 courtesy of the
kindness and generosity of the
Roberts’ family. Then in 2025,
we relocated to Octagon Barn
“SLOPOKE” and we exhibited
Event Center in SLO for more
space and parking. In 15 years,
SLOPOKE has grown organically
from an idea to wide recognition
as a unique and valuable art show.