Painter
Sheryl Stalnaker
"As I was exploring and painting on location along the James River, I was immersed in the peaceful rhythms of the river, observing light peeking through trees, color dancing on the water and birds in their habitat. Back in my studio, I reflected on this river oasis, so close to a city, but worlds away when you’re immersed in this special place. I hope that my James River Collection of paintings will transport the viewer to the river and draw awareness to the need for continued conservation and appreciation of this environment.
I am drawn to waterways.
It gives me joy to depict aquatic habitats and the beauty of these precious vistas which are increasingly threatened by human-related activity. These natural spaces are precious and need to be protected for future generations of people and wildlife, which is why we’re here today supporting the Friends of James River Park.
Growing up I spent a lot of family time hiking along the gorges of the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon, exploring Spirit Lake near Mt. St. Helens, boating in the bays of the Gulf of Mexico and kayaking along the tidal creeks and rivers of the East Coast. My husband and I share an appreciation for waterways and the outdoors. We’ve traveled with our children to many remote and scenic destinations including twelve national parks throughout the U.S. I’m pleased to share my James River Series with you."
Painter Sheryl Stalnaker has shown her award-winning work in galleries throughout the Southeast, along with juried shows such as the Piccolo Spoleto Exhibitions in Charleston, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Artfields, and the Telfair Museum of Art Fair in Savannah.
The Charleston City Paper said in a review of Stalnaker’s paintings, “Plein air painting is a genre that seems to be saturated with talented local artists… but one particular artist who has set herself apart is Sheryl Stalnaker.”
She has studied art throughout her life and is a graduate of the University of Washington. Her work is in corporate collections including Duke University Hospital, Vibra Hospital Charleston, First Capital Bank, Tidelands Bank, and in private collections across the U.S., England, and as far away as Japan.
