Wilson Signature Collection, the fine art gallery at 407 Front St., will host wildlife expressionist and “father of Rhupert the ostrich,” at its “50 Years of Fun with D. Arthur Wilson,” celebration on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Wilson began creating art at the age of 3, having been greatly influenced by his father, Warren Wilson, a hobby artist who found time to create while raising seven children. D. Arthur’s artistic talents progressed throughout his school years and his first customer was his geometry teacher, who to this day still has that painting.
Wilson left home at 18 and traveled the country participating in fine art fairs, which quickly led to his art being featured in galleries here and abroad. His fondest memories include being selected as the featured artist for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in 1984. He was also the commissioned artist for the Denver Zoo poster and numerous appearances and contributions to benefit nonprofits, including the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Cheetah Conservation Fund and Tippi Hedren’s Shambala.
A five-week safari to Africa in 1999 changed his heart forever and a new wave of passion enveloped the artist. Wilson is acknowledged as one of the top wildlife artists in the world with his unique style and execution of pastels on unconventional suede board.
Born within his realist wildlife art, the unsuspecting, whimsical ostrich took an unprecedented shift and the world of Rhupert was launched at Art Expo in New York in 2005, with a message that encourages all simply to “be yourself,” while reminding us all, in the words of Oscar Wilde, “Life is too important to be taken seriously.”
Wilson’s career has been punctuated by some extraordinary projects that have added to his journey, including an invitation to join Bob Ross on his iconic television show as well as several other television projects in development. The thrill was heightened when his creative team pitched the Rhupert movie concept to seven major studios in Hollywood for a major animated feature. Stay tuned.
With his artwork collected in 28 countries and all 50 states, Rhupert has soared to the top of Wilson’s career, and with every new painting has the opportunity to bring joy and levity.
Represented throughout the country at fine art galleries, corporate installations and private collections, Wilson calls Key West home, and Wilson Signature Collection Fine Art Gallery is the signature gallery for his pastel originals, limited editions, bronze sculptures and books, the largest collection in the country. More information is available at the gallery, 407 D Front St., or at wilsonsignaturecollection.com or 305-434-0170.
