Peggy Detmers History

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First Horse

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Peggy grew up among the expansive grasslands and productive marshes of the eastern half of South Dakota. Awestruck by massive waterfowl migrations and bountiful wildlife, Peggy was inspired to become a student of nature. From horseback or afoot she would watch and draw domestic and wild animals alike. She continued her natural studies at South Dakota State University at Brookings where she earned a Bachelor of Science in wildlife & fisheries and general biology.

Even though her degree was in the sciences, Peggy never lost interest in the arts. She took a sabbatical from her biology career to study with professional sculptors and painters in the southwestern United States. She believes that an apprenticeship under a master was then and still is the best learning experience for a fledgling artist. She also studied bronze casting by working at foundries in California and Arizona.

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Petting First Dog

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After five years in the Southwest, Peggy returned to western South Dakota where she had worked as a wildlife biologist during her college summers and the year following her graduation. She is always inspired by the power of color and form in the landscapes of the Black Hills. She also delights in the abundance and variety of Black Hills wildlife.

Peggy is now a full-time artist using her scientific training to accurately depict her subject matter in her chosen media. Though Peggy specializes in sculpture, her paintings and drawings are eagerly collected.