About The Artist

Kenton's History

      Kenton Pies has been a multi-media artist all his life - at least since six years old when he was praised for drawing an elephant. Kenton grew up in the Wisconsin hills where he absorbed the colorful country atmosphere, and the sights, sounds and animals of the forest. Many memories linger of fresh fish from their lake, the aroma of blackberries growing in the sun, hay harvesting the old way with pitching the hay high on a horse drawn wagon, deer hunting in the fall, and ice harvesting from their lake. While growing up in the Wisconsin countryside Kenton was taught what he much later learned is the "Cowboy Code" or the "Code of the West". What Kenton tries to practice is, "Your handshake is your bond" and when one commits to do something they follow through without excuses. Hard work, loyalty and Honoring God, your parents and your country are part of the Code. Refer to the paragraph below for the complete list. The concepts sometimes vary, but the overall spirit is followed.

      When still a teenager as a local artist Kenton Pies started his sign and art painting business by creating scenes on walls and vehicles. This eventually led to creating carvings, paintings, and graphics for restaurants, offices and developments. Kenton has made a variety of art for public and private collections while garnering awards in art, sculpture, graphics, stone masonry and quilting. This has led to a fulfilling life of artistic achievement. These wide experiences are now expressed in nature painting and sculpture.

Exhibits and Galleries

• Sacred Dancing Gallery, Bigfork, MT
• Grand Canyon Squire Inn, AZ
• Art in the Park, Loveland, CO
• Sedona Sculpture Walk
• Bellevue, Washington Art Fair
• Park Lane Gallery, Kirkland, WA
• One Man Show: Seattle Design Center
• NWSSA Carving Symposium
• NW Flower and Garden Show
• Edmonds Art Festival, WA
• Serendipity Sweet Briar Nursery
• Bamboo Gardens
   

Awards

• 1st Place: Bainbridge Arts and Crafts, Winslow, WA
• Jurors Choice Award: Sedona Sculpture Walk, AZ (1994)
• Mame Awards: Seattle, WA (1986, 1992, and 1997)

The Cowboy Code

• Live each day with courage
• Take pride in your work
• Always finish what you start
• Do what has to be done
• Be tough, but fair
• When you make a promise, keep it
• Ride for the brand
• Talk less, and say more
• Remember that some things aren't for sale
• Know where to draw the line

by James P. Owen

Schools

• Carnegie Tech, Pittsburgh, PA
• Layton School of Art, Milwaukee, WI
• Mexico City College, Mexico D.F.
• B.A., University of Washington, Seattle, WA

kpies@blackfoot.net