2024 Fish and Reptile judge is Florida's Michael Kirkhart. Michael is a State, National and World Champion fish reproduction artist. Michael began to develop his lifelong fascination and skills as a taxidermist at the age of eight years old. With tremendous support from his family and friends then and now, he appreciates the accolades now as the blessings and gifts they are to his career.
Some of his career successes to his efforts are: working with the late Ian Pike and Steve Mathews of Australia on giant Marlin and The Great Barrier Reef Tropical fish; Building a 30,000 square foot museum for Governor Tom Bolack in Farmington, New Mexico; Working with New York contemporary artist Donald Lipski on the Miami International Airport display in concourse D; Sculpting and producing the Turtles on Parade for Stuart’s Arts Council benefit program; Sculpting oversized species and world records for private collectors and individuals worldwide; Most recently working with the Creative Imagery Department producing fish for the Bass Pro Shops store displays. Michael has served on the Board of Directors in the National Taxidermy Association, as well as the Vice President and President. Michael is an active judge for the NTA. Michael was awarded the Pioneer Award for his dedication and devotion to the industry. The list of projects and accomplishments could go on and on, but credit goes to the blessings of God the creator for the gift of talent and family that drives, motivates and supports these accolades. This family has successfully worked together to create fish art that turns heads, wins awards and establishes them as the industry’s leader.
The 2024 Bird judge is Lowell Shapley of Texas. Lowell is an award-winning renowned wildlife painter, sculptor and taxidermist whose work has found homes in collections around the world. “As an avid outdoorsman with a passion for wildlife, I have been fortunate enough to see and experience a few wonders of our vast natural world and recreate them in my own artistic expression. Lowell has been a full time birds only taxidermist for 22 years and has won 2 world titles in birds and 2 best of shows at the world taxidermy championships.
. “Through these experiences and my love of painting, I strive to illuminate the subjects of my work with vivid, explosive color, and the raw dynamic action of the untamed world” - Lowell Shapley.
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