Special Activity Leader

Stefan Savides

Artist and Master Taxidermist

Workshops:

Taste of the Arts: Wine and Art Reception

Stefan came into this world with a total fascination for birds. His earliest life memories were centered around birds. At age 12, he began what would be a lifelong career in taxidermy. By the age of 16, he was instructing adults in taxidermy in a night school setting. After graduating from high school, he moved to an inspiring area of northern California where birds abound. Stefan now lives in the Klamath Basin in a home/gallery of his own design.

Stefan is an artist who has never worked a day in his life in mainstream America. His self- employed financial career, while mainly centered around taxidermy, has included painting, carving and sculpting birds as well. Savides' 43 year career in taxidermy has carried him to the top of his profession internationally and he now finds himself seeking new challenges. Sculpting in bronze is a natural progression for Stefan. It provides a lasting expression of his knowledge of avian anatomy and design. Years of intense study coupled with a flair for simple design equates to renderings that capture the essence of his subjects in tasteful clean works of art.

Stefan's award-winning creations are so anatomically correct, the world's top carvers and artists seek his works for reference.� Stefan designed and sculpted the prototype for�the Pelicans on Parade (POP!) project,� a unique art fundraiser organized under Klamath Wingwatchers that is bringing 7-foot-high, painted pelicans to downtown Klamath Falls and outlying communities.� Many different artists are creating awe-inspiring productions using Stefan's replicated pelican as "the canvas."

Stefan creates his own artwork on one of the POP! pelicans.