Chris Stubbs – Wildlife Sculptor for Thursday Art day …

My Chris Stubbs ‘Glider Possum’ sculpture

Isn’t it wonderful how ordinary day to day things can spark a nostalgic moment. Sitting on top of my piano is the most delightful sculpture of a ‘glider’ possum. It was purchased several decades ago and as I dusted around it I thought how much pleasure it’s given me over the years. At our little farm on the outskirts of Toowoomba we have an array of native wildlife. Whether it’s the marvellous selection of birds, or the adorable wallabies, the goanna’s who have been with us since we arrived in 1988, or the pleasure of an occasional visit from an echidna, life is always full of nature in all it glorious and sometimes terrifying beauty. I won’t mention the snakes as they’re not high on my list as desirable but they are around.

Love at first Sight – Dawn Stubbs

With this trip down memory lane I decided to do a search hoping to find the sculptor of my possum and guess what? I found him and he is still at the same place. I thought it would be lovely to introduce you to Chris Stubbs and his talented wife Dawn and his equally talented daughters Crystal and Kelly. Chris has been a full time artist for more than 30 years. He has won numerous awards over many years and was an active member of the Wildlife Art Society of Australasia where in 1992 he won the Best Exhibit with “A family of Mountain Gorillas”.

Large Wombat on Side – Chris Stubbs

Over the years Chris has won other awards at the Societies Annual Exhibitions with another Best Exhibit in show in 2000. He was president of the Wildlife Art Society in 2000 and 2001. Chris won the prestigious Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize from the South Australian Museum in 2004 with his piece ‘Forgive them Mother’.

Mellow Yellow – Dawn Stubbs

An ardent lover of nature Chris spends many hours walking his property of natural bush and untouched native habitat. If Chris is not working in his studio sculpting or painting his beloved wildlife he is more often found watching the real thing outside.

You can find the Australian Wildlife Art Galleries nestled amongst bushlands in Eastern Victoria, between Bairnsdale and Stratford. For those who might be interested Bairnsdale is the largest city in the East Gippsland region, situated on the Mitchell River which then flows into the extensive Gippsland Lakes system at Lake King.

Seal sitting up – Chris Stubbs

The Australian Wildlife Art Galleries have been a popular tourist destination for over twenty years, which is not a surprise to those who know the Stubbs artwork. To be able to view beautiful art work in the idyllic surrounds of beautiful gardens and native wildlife is bliss in itself. I have to add that the artwork truly reflects the natural feel of the location.

These and other local areas have been the inspiration for Dawn and Chris Stubbs, helping their work to become widely recognised within Australia and around the globe.The gallery features work by Dawn and Chris Stubbs, their daughters Kelly (a gold and silversmith) and Crystal (a hot-glass sculptor).

Scally Wags – Dawn Stubbs

If you are ever in the Bairnsdale area you must make time to stop and enjoy a visit to the Stubbs Galleries.

RMB 1193 Princes Highway, Munro 3862, Australia | PH: +613 5145 8282
Web Sites: www.australianwildlifeart.com – http://www.arthive.com.au/ –
Also Visit:Crystal Stubbs Hot Glass Studio