BELLEFONTE — One of the more than 60 artists listed in the Bellefonte Art Museum’s registry is Perry Winkler. Here is his statement:

With an impressive body of work, Perry Winkler has left his mark on the local community, as well as in Central Pennsylvania where he currently resides. Winkler began his education at the Jefferson County Vocational Technical School in Reynoldsville, where he had the good fortune to study under noted artist Patsy Dunmire. Winkler graduated in 1976 after receiving the Outstanding Student Artist Award. He later moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where he resided from 1978 through 1990. Winkler’s works have earned him numerous awards including his first national first place award in 1979 while working as a commercial artist for Naegele Outdoor Advertising in Asheville, North Carolina, for his public service billboard entitled “Iran, Let our people go!”.

In 2007 Perry’s “My Favorite Corner” drew national attention when it was selected as the number one painting out of more than 3,500 entries in the Kirkland’s Home Stores “Next Great American Artist Competition.” As part of his award, Perry’s painting was reproduced and marketed in 370 Kirkland’s Home stores throughout the United States.

In 2007 Perry was awarded “Best in Show,” second place, and honorable mentions at the annual Laurel Arts competition in Brookville. This was Perry’s second consecutive “Best in Show” award following the Laurel Arts 2006 winning painting titled “To the Core.” Perry’s more recent awards include the 2011 Susquehanna River Arts Competition “Best in Show” award for “Crossing Wonderland.” This marks Winkler’s 18th Best in Show award over his 35-year career as a professional artist. Perry’s artwork has been used for numerous fund-raisers including Preservation Pennsylvania. His work has also been featured on candy boxes for Nereus Chocolate Corporation, and on wine bottles for Starr Hill Winery in Curwensville.

Winkler’s painting entitled “Life Source” is currently being marketed as part of a fund raising event for the Western Pennsylvania Habitat Unlimited organization, a non-profit organization focused on the preservation of nature and wildlife, a cause dear to Winkler’s heart. 

For the past several years, Perry has been teaching watercolor technique at the DuBois Area School District and the DuBois Area Business College with its artist-in-residence programs.  Perry also offers workshops and on-going classes at his DuBois studio at the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art in downtown DuBois. Along with his regular courses, Perry has made it a priority to offer art classes for The COVE, a non-profit organization dedicated to enrichment and support for individuals with developmental disabilities living in Central Pennsylvania.

All credits aside, Winkler insists that it’s all about the art. “It stands to reason that if you love what you do, and you work at it, you’ll do it well. I am grateful in knowing that people derive pleasure from what I do. It can’t be about money or notoriety. It really has to be about communicating ideas.”

 As founder of the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art, Perry continues to dedicate much of his time as the gallery manager. Currently the Winkler Gallery represents 16 of the region’s most successful artists.

The Bellefonte Art Museum celebrates the human spirit through the arts, recognizing the importance of art in our lives. In 2011, the museum experienced a large increase in attendance, private donations and membership and completed refurbishing the historic Linn House.  The museum opened three new galleries: the Children’s Creativity Center, the Anna Wagner Keichline Gallery and the new Louise Bloom Sieg Gallery. The museum is opened Friday through Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Phone 814.355.4280.