The Calgary Stampede Western Art Auction Committee honored Harley Brown as the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award. This award was created by the Committee to recognize an individual whose exceptional artistic accomplishments and their contributions to western art are highly regarded in the international art community. The award was presented to Mr. Brown at the 30th Annual Art Auction held July 14, 2011.
Harley was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1939 and grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He attended the Alberta College of Art in Calgary, Alberta, and lived there for over 30 years, honing his artistic skills. In 1964, he moved his family to London, England to attend the Camberwell School of Arts. In 1973 he had his first one man art show in Helena, Montana and in the 1990's he moved with his wife, Carol, to their present home in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to Harley Brown's artistic focus on portraits of the people of First nations, he also completed a commissioned portrait of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965 and several years later received commissions to paint portraits of President Ronald Reagan and other well-known world celebrities. He has received numerous awards and gold medals for his outstanding artwork including the prestigious Robert M. Lougheed Memorial Award from the National Academy of Western Art in 1990.
From 1980 to 1999 Harley instructed at painting workshops around the world and in 2005 was invited to become a member of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America. Harley exhibits annually at the Prix de West Invitational, held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and regularly contributes to the International Artist Magazine. He has published three books with the most recent being, "Harley Brown's Inspiration for Every Artist." He established the Harley Brown Scholarship Fund to support deserving students who wish to attend workshops at the Scottsdale School of Art in Arizona.
Harley Brown modestly considers himself to be a "fair" jazz pianist and his story telling abilities are unparalleled.
Click on the following links to read more about Harley and the accolades he enjoyed while participating in the activities associated with this honor at the Calgary Stampede:
http://westernshowcase.com/
http://www.calgaryherald.com/painting Harley created especially for the 2012 Stampede Centennial Poster:
https://www.facebook.com
