Sherry Salari Sander, Straight Up Bonnet, bronze, 12x4x5.5, $1,800

Sherry Salari Sander

Sherry Salari Sander spends much of her time studying animals in their natural habitat ranging from the Yukon to the African bush. Much of her inspiration comes from the Montana countryside and small wildlife preserve and wildlife sanctuary, which is the setting for her home and studio. A renowned sculptor, she has long been devoted to animals and their co-existence with the outdoors. As a child growing up in northern California and encouraged by her mother, Sander has had "pets" ranging from dogs and cats to horses and gerbils. That early acquaintance with animals left an indelible impression - one that can easily be seen in her work.

"Art of the West" magazine has praised her work for its delicate detail of balance and imagination. Technique has to be balanced by authenticity, so Sander travels extensively to observe her subjects, including trips to Africa, Alaska, Spain, and Italy as well as throughout the United States. In an article for "Art Today", Sander said, "The creative process evolves from such pilgrimages." She was honored with a major retrospective exhibition at Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1995.

Sander is a member of the Society of Animal Artists, National Sculpture Society, North American Sculpture Society, Artist of America, and the Allied Artists of America. She was selected to exhibit her sculpture, "Gorilla", at the National Sculpture Society's exhibition at the Fleischer Museum, "Master Works of American Sculpture and Selections from the NSS, 1875-1999," from October 20, 1999 through May 1, 2000. Her work has been exhibited at the National Academy of Design, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, the Denver Zoo, Oklahoma City Zoo, Benson Park Sculpture Garden, Genesee Country Museum, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Huntley Lodge, Big Sky Resort, Gerald Ford Amphitheater, in Vail, Colorado, High Desert Museum, in Bend, Oregon, and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.