Polly, Paint & Pencil Studio: About the Artist

POLLY BURGE

Sheridan, Wyoming

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 EXHIBITIONS (featured exhibitions)

The Brinton 101 (Nov 7 - Dec 23, 2020)

The Brinton Museum

Big Horn, WY

9th Annual Mammoth Quick Draw (Nov 9th, 2020- Jan 4, 2021)