POLLY BURGE
Visual Artist



Polly, Paint & Pencil Studio
Box 157
Sheridan, WY 82801
Born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, my love for art has always been a presence. My early interest in art was instilled by my grandparents, both of whom were collectors of sporting and equestrian art. As I developed as an artist, they turned my attention to the details of accuracy and anatomy. They encouraged me to be knowledgeable of my subject and the masters before me.
I took a number of advanced painting and art history classes in high school, then a few basic drawing and design courses before graduating from North Carolina State University. Somehow outfitted with a Bachelor's degree in Spanish, I came to Wyoming to pursue a path that would bring me closer to a career in horsemanship, another of my passions. Over four summers working on the historic Eatons’ dude ranch, I fell in love with Sheridan’s strong horse culture and the Bighorn Mountain scenery that surrounds it, so I moved to call it home in 2015.
By moving to Wyoming, I gained access to the life of my dreams. Wrangling horses in the early morning hours, riding until dusk, exploring the mountains on foot, horseback, on skis or snowshoes, hunting, fishing, and taking in the outdoors has filled my soul over the last eight years. Immersed in an exciting and beautiful landscape, I am continually inspired to draw and paint what I see.
Since 2017, watercolor has become my choice medium, as I found it easiest to travel with and pack into saddle bags and backpacks, or store on long car trips. Most recently, I have begun incorporating illustration techniques into my paintings with ink and gouache. I am happiest in my studio, revisiting my experiences with nature and horses, always dreaming up new ones in the company of my dogs.
I currently serve on the board at SAGE Community Arts as a director and volunteer committee member, and volunteer on the committee for the Brinton Museum's Annual Gala. I have work hanging in a number of Sheridan area galleries, including Expressions Art Gallery, Red Bison Studio, SAGE Community Arts’ Member Gallery, Main Frame, Gallery on Main (Dayton, WY), and The Hitching Post Gallery (Buffalo, WY). I am also an annual participant of the Washakie Museum Mammoth Quickdraw in Worland, WY (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) and contribute work for the annual Rooted in Wyoming Hoedown & Auction fundraiser (2019, 2020).
REPRESENTATIVE GALLERIES (year round exhibitors)
Expressions Art Gallery 645 Broadway, Sheridan, WY
Gallery on Main 110 W 3rd Ave. Dayton, WY
The Hitching Post Gallery 51 S Main St. Buffalo, WY
MainFrame Art Gallery 17 E Grinnell Plaza, Sheridan, WY
Red Bison Studio 227 N Main St. Sheridan, WY
SAGE Community Arts, Member's Gallery 21 W Brundage, Sheridan, WY
CURRENT & SCHEDULED EXHIBITIONS (featured exhibitions)
The Brinton 101 (Nov 7 - Dec 23, 2020)
The Brinton Museum
Big Horn, WY
*Nov 7 reception cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions
View the virtual gallery, HERE
9th Annual Mammoth Quick Draw (Nov 9, 2020- Jan 4, 2021)
The Washakie Museum & Cultural Center
2200 Bighorn Ave, Worland, WY
*Live Quick Draw event has Sold-out, call 307-347-4102 to be added to the waitlist
Artwork available for purchase online, HERE
Washakie Museum Exhibiting Artist (Jan 29 - Feb 26, 2021)
Washakie Museum & Cultural Center
2200 Bighorn Ave, Worland, WY
Worland, WY
*Click here for museum information
Watercolor Workshop at the Washakie Museum (10am-1pm, Jan 30th, 2021)
Washakie Museum & Cultural Center
Worland, WY
*Click here for registration details
AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
The Brinton Museum member, Gala committee volunteer, & exhibiting artist
Made in Wyoming directory listing
SAGE Community Arts member, committee volunteer, board director, exhibiting artist
Wyoming Arts Council directory listing
Wyoming Watercolor Society member
PUBLICATIONS & INTERVIEWS
The Bighorn Experience for a Virginia Transplant
The Sheridan Press, February 2018
Blazing Trails Podcast: Ep. 33, Polly Burge
Interview with host, Devan Reilly, May 2018
20 Under Forty: The Sheridan Press
Burge Draws on Love of Animals, Landscapes, p. 14 & 16. June 2018
Wyoming Business Council, January 2019
Making it as an artist takes dedication to craft
The Sheridan Press, January 2020
Local Artist Spotlight: Polly Burge
Sheridan Media, August 2020
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
Color Not Absent Expressions Art Gallery, June 2016
2020 Exhibiting Artist Washakie Museum & Cultural Center, January 2021 (*Rescheduled from April 2020 due to COVID-19)
INVITATIONAL GROUP EXHIBITIONS & QUICK DRAWS
The Brinton Museum, Brinton 101 Small Works Show (2020)
Washakie Museum & Cultural Center, Annual Mammoth Quick Draw (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Rooted in Wyoming, Annual Hoedown & Auction (2019, 2020)
SAGE Community Arts, 10th Annual National Juried Show (2020)
Terakedis Fine Art & Jewelry, 12 Squared Holiday Show (2018, 2019)
SAGE Community Arts, 3rd Annual National Juried Photography Show (2017)
JURIED WORKS SELECTED FOR GROUP EXHIBITIONS
"Patience" (c) 2020.
Watercolor, gouache, & ink
SAGE Community Arts 10th Annual National Juried Show (2020)
Juror John Taft
"Light Rings the Bells of Sedona" (c) 2016.
Photograph
SAGE Community Arts 3rd Annual National Juried Photography Show (2017)
Juror Shawn Parker
"Gentry Field" (c) 2016.
Photograph
SAGE Community Arts 3rd Annual National Juried Photography Show (2017)
Juror Shawn Parker