309. Maestro by Lee Leuning & Sherri Treeby
The 2017 People's Choice Award Winning Sculpture
Lee Leuning was born in Lake Hendricks, Minnesota and grew up in north Sioux Falls. He attended South Dakota State University in Brookings earning a wildlife biology degree. He worked 28 years as a wildlife officer for Tennessee and later South Dakota. During his wildlife career he developed his artistic talents through watercolor wildlife paintings. He attended 3 years at Northern State University studying bronze sculpture. Lee has an innate ability to originate artworks that appeals to a broad public. Lee is known for his attention to correct anatomy and exacting detail in their representational works. He presently resides in his hometown of Sioux Falls
Sherri Treeby is a native of Ohio who moved to SD in the early 80’s and attended Northern State University. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in art education and a Master’s Degree in art history graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1990. She was a professor of art at Presentation College in Aberdeen, teaching art history, drawing, painting, and design. The arts community recognizes her for her tutoring of upcoming young professional artists. In 2008 and 2010, Sherri was chosen ”Woman Sculptor of the Year” by American Mothers, Inc.
Since forming Bad River Artworks in 1989, Sherri and Lee have created over 220 individual sculptures, large and small. She brings to the team a strong background of art history and an ability to blend that knowledge into their artwork.
Together Lee and Sherri practice a continuing and demanding critique as they sculpt their artworks. This practice helps produce a well-defined, thoughtful and dynamic sculpture that is without errors and says professional quality. During their 22 years as Bad River Artworks, they have worked efficiently with art committees and planners. It is always their goal to create an artwork that perfectly reflects the desires of their patron. Ego and personality are never an issue in their sculpting process as they achieve this goal.During their 11 years with the City of Presidents project, each sculpture was reviewed and critiqued 4 times by a group of 10 board members and artists. This demanding development regimen made them expert in the skills asked for your eligibility criteria.