Chief awarded original art
<p>This year, Great Chief Dr. Van Kirke Nelson was given an original award-winning sculpture, “Summer in the High Country,” created by Sherry Sander.</p>
For more than 40 years, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce has presented its Great Chief award to honor a member of the community for his or her civic and volunteer spirit that spans a lifetime and provides a legacy for the community.
In addition to the award, the Great Chief receives an original work of art created by a Flathead Valley artist.
This year, Great Chief Dr. Van Kirke Nelson was given an original award-winning sculpture, “Summer in the High Country,” created by Sherry Sander.
This sculpture received a Gold Medal at the Allied Artists of America’s 99th Annual Exhibition in New York City, 2012 and Best of Show at the American Women Artists 16th Annual National Juried Competition, 2013.
Sander draws much of her inspiration from the animals seeking protection on her 300-acre wildlife preserve in rural Montana. She also travels extensively studying wildlife from Alaska to Africa. One of her goals is to foster an appreciation for declining wildlife populations and to help preserve their shrinking habitat.
Visit www.sherrysanderstudio.com.