Florida Artist Honored Nationally

For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE

Nationally recognized local Florida Artist Stephen Koury was recently elected to membership to the elite Society Of Animal Artists located in New York which is the oldest association of animal and wildlife painters and sculptors in the world. Founded in1960, the society is devoted to promoting excellence in the portrayal of
the creatures sharing our planet. Some of the finest animal artists from the United States, Canada,Europe, Africa, and Australia are represented in the Society's membership. Over the past 37 years the work created by these artists has established new standards of artistic excellence. The emphasis of the Society's efforts is on fine art rather than illustrative or commercial art. The artist members are a select group. Membership is awarded by an admission jury of artist's peers. The standards of artistic excellence, technical competence, and subject knowledge are exceedingly high. Artistic quality and professionalism are the sole criteria for acceptance into the society.

The artist members of the Society of Animal Artist are the inheritors of a proud tradition that goes back to the cave paintings of early man. This tradition has continued down through the ages with artists such as DaVinci, Pisanello, Rembrandt, Durer, Bonheur, and Delacroix. The old saying "Artists are born, not made", applies especially in the
case of the true animal artist within him (or her). Picturing animals is not a decision, it is a compulsion which is the dominate force of the artist's entire life and endeavor", PaulBronsom, past SAA Pres.

Stephen has lead African Collector Safaris for the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, held in Charleston, SC. and is a member of the Society of Animal Artists. Stephen Koury's piece titled "Landing Pad" was the Editors Choice in US Art Magazine, September Issue 1999 and he was named a "RISING STAR" US Art Magazine June 1997. Stephen exhibits nation wide in museums, galleries, shows and is a millennium featured artist for the national Florida Wildlife & Western Art Exposition 2000. He has appeared on the cover of the Collector's Edition of Wildlife Art Magazine and toured in the prestigious Arts For The Parks Top 100 Competition. Koury's popularity has grown internationally with notable collectors such as actor, Clint Eastwood, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, and Pro-golfer Andy Bean.

Please call Necia Koury at (941) 647-1490 or email kouryrt@gte.net if you have any questions or would like photos.