Anthem Gallery is proud to feature resident artist Steve Penley. Born in 1964, Steve was raised in Athens and Macon Georgia. In 1983 he began studying art at the University of Georgia in Athens, and later at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

Best known for his paintings of historical icons, Penley has become one of America’s most popular artists emerging from the South. Penley’s development as an artist has culminated with a unique style of bold color, strong brush strokes and vivid imagery. Although his subject matter is always familiar, Steve’s unique ability lies in his reinterpretation, creating a new impact for the viewer.

Steve Penley’s popularity has taken a national turn with the recent release of “Penley”(Longstreet Press), which includes 63 full color images with text by the artist. As a result, Penley was honored as Author of the Year in the specialty books category at the 38^th Annual Georgia Author of the Year Awards. The award served notice of the outstanding, multifaceted talent within the artist.

An international breakthrough for Penley’s art was heralded by the selection of his work for True Colors: Meditations on the American Spirit, an artist’s response to 9/11. Organized by Meridian International Center of Washington, D.C., this exhibit is touring the world with destinations including New York and Istanbul.

As society embraces a triumphant return to realism and figurative artwork, corporate and private collectors have sought out Penley’s work across the country. Collectors include Coca-Cola, King and Spalding, Morgan Keegan, Houston’s Corporation, ESPN Zone and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Robert Mondavi and Sterling vineyards in Napa Valley feature Steve Penley’s art. Politicians who have commissioned Penley’s art include Jack Watson and Hamilton Jordan; both former White House Chief’s of Staff, Zell Miller, State Senator of Georgia and US Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson.

Steve Penley lives in Carrollton, Georgia with his wife Carrie.  They have a son Lyall and a daughter Abbey.

Biography

1964                        Born in Chattanooga, TN

1983-85/86-88        University of Georgia

1985/86                   School of Visual Arts

Exhibitions

2004                        Anthem Gallery, “Landscapes”, New York, New York

2004                        Matre Gallery, “Recent Works”, Atlanta, Georgia

2004                        Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, Georgia

2003                        Anthem Gallery, “The City”, New York, New York

2003                        Matre Gallery, “Works on Paper”, Atlanta, Georgia

2003                        Fine Art & Artists, “Warhol & His Influence”, Washington, DC, Group Show

2003                        Anthem Gallery, “Southern Fried”, New York, New York, Group Show

2003                        Matre Gallery, “Frontiers”, Atlanta, Georgia

2002                        Matre Gallery, “New York City”, Atlanta, Georgia

2002                        Fine Art & Artist, “Hot New Painters”, Washington, DC, Group Show

2002                        Meridian International Center, “True Colors: Meditation on the American Spirit, Washington, DC

2002                        Matre Gallery, “Giants”, Atlanta, GA

2001                        Matre Gallery, “Americans”, Atlanta, GA

2001                        Matre Gallery, “The Photography Show”, Atlanta, GA, Group Show

2001                        Matre Gallery, “May Flowers”, Atlanta, GA, Group Show

2000                        Matre Gallery, “New Paintings”, Atlanta, GA

2000                        Matre Gallery, “Postures Concerning the Nude”, Atlanta, GA, Group Show

1999                        Matre Gallery, “Recent Paintings”, Atlanta, GA

1999                        Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Juried Exhibition, St. Phillips Cathedral, Atlanta, GA

1999                        Georgia Music Hall of Fame Museum, Macon, Georgia

1998                        Matre Gallery, “Flower Paintings”, Atlanta, GA, Group Show

1998                        Spotlight on Southern Artists, Juried Exhibition, Trinity School Benefit, Atlanta, GA

1998                        Art Care, Juried Exhibition, Aid Atlanta Benefit, Atlanta, GA

1997                        Matre Gallery, “Postures”, Atlanta, GA, Group Show

1997                        Smith Gallery, “New Work”, Atlanta, GA

1996                        Smith Gallery, “Images of Influence”, Atlanta, GA

1996                        Southern Arts Federation, “Benny Andrews, Howard Finster & Steve Penley”, Governor’s

                                Mansion, Atlanta, GA

1995                        Smith Gallery, “Recent Work”, Atlanta, GA

Literature

2004                        Andrew Wardlow, “Tom Nielsen & Steve Penley”, Times-Georgian, May 2004

2004                        Katie Hofstadter, “Politics & Art”, Artlanta Magazine, May/June 2004

2004                        Liz Hampton, “Artist Adds Golden Isles Touch to G8 Summit”, Times-Union, June 2004

2004                        Mildred Huie Wilcox, “Life, Liberty & Art”, Coastal Antiques & Art, July 2004

2004                        Seth Hopkins, “Atlanta Artist Steve Penley Inspired by History”, Booth Western Art Publications

                                February 2004

2003                        Penley, Longstreet Press, December 2001

1999                        Brett Lockwood, “Painting Penley”, Bluemilk Magazine, 1999

1997                        Susanne Fletcher, “Portrait of a Not-so Starving Artist”, Art & Collecting, 1997