Wildlife artist readies a holiday show and sale

Lafayette — Wildlife artist Carol Decker will exhibit an extensive collection of her work at Wildlife Weekend XIV, Nov. 7 through 10 at Olde Lafayette Village in the Village Meeting Hall. Her annual holiday art show and sale is a popular attraction. Many new limited-edition signed and numbered prints, an existing collection of signed and numbered prints, artist’s proof prints, original pen and ink sketches and original acrylic paintings shown for the first time as well as previous work will be displayed and for sale at a wide range of prices. For this year’s show, the artist in partnership with Olde Lafayette Village, will donate a percentage from each sale made at the show to benefit Birth Haven, an independent, non-sectarian, non-profit organization that provides shelter, support, and education for homeless, pregnant women and girls located in Newton. Decker has supported many charities and non-profit organizations with her art over the years, choosing a different local charity to support at each Wildlife Weekend show. Decker was honored for her philanthropy and support of non-profits by the Branchville Rotary with their 2008 Citizen of the Year Award. In addition to her local renown, Decker has a national reputation. She painted two holiday ornaments featuring national parks that were displayed on the White House Christmas tree in 2007. Decker was chosen by the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to paint the ornaments. Decker, a Branchville resident, is self taught artist who has spent a lifetime studying nature and animals in the outdoors, together with extensive field research and sketching. “Painting primarily in acrylics, which are fast drying, allows me to use many techniques to archive my goals. I’ve always been a student of painting light, and will continue to learn about this quality in my work, without light there is no life. Since my style is one of realism and fine detail, the light is what makes it real.” For more information call the Wildlife Art Studio at (973) 948-5597 or visit caroldeckerwildlifeartstudio.com. If you go Hours for the upcoming show are: Nov. 7, 9 and 10: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The show is open to the public. There is no admission charge. Refreshments will be served throughout the show, and the artist will be on hand to meet with guests all four days.