With an impressive body of work, Perry Winkler has left his mark on the local community in central Pennsylvania where he currently resides.
Winkler, a former resident of Ashville, NC, began his education at the Jefferson County Vocational Technical School in Reynoldsville. While there, he had the “great fortune” to study under noted artist, Patsy Dunmire.
Winkler graduated in 1976 after receiving the Outstanding Student Artist Award. He later moved to Asheville, where he resided from 1978 through 1990.
Winklers’ works have earned him numerous awards, including his first National, First Place Award in 1979 while working as the art director for Naegeie Outdoor Advertising in Asheville for his public service billboard entitled “Iran, Let our people go!”
During that time, he had an opportunity to work with accomplished oil painter Roger Nippress. Winkler accredits much of the insight and attention to detail to Nippress. His other influences include such artists as Andrew Wyet, Maxwell Parish, Edward Hopper and famous Pin up Illustrator Vargas.
In 2007 Winkler’s painting, entitled “MY Favorite Corner,” drew national attention when it was selected as the number one painting out of more than 3,500 entries in the Kinkland’s Home Stores “Next Great American Artist Completion.” As part of his award, his painting was reproduced and marketed in 370 Kirkland’s Home stores throughout the United States.
Also in 2007 Winkler was awarded “Best in Show,” second place and honorable mentions at the annual Laurel Arts Completion in Brookville. This was his second consecutive “Best in Show” award.
Following the Laurel Arts 2006 winning painting entitled “To the Core,” Winkler’s more recent awards include the 2011 Susquehanna River Arts Completion “Best in Show” award for “Crossing Wonderland” and again at the 2013 SRAC competition for his entry “The Off Season.”
In 2013 Winkler’s painting “Holiday Magic” was selected as winner of the 2013 Christmas at Biltmore Wine Label Competition,” resulting in his work being featured on the Biltmore Estate’s Holiday wine bottles.
In the spring of 2015, Winkler took both first and second place at the Western Carolina Orchid Society Orchid Art Competition for his entries “The Life of KOl” and “The Scene of the crime. He also placed “Best of Show” as well as first place for his entries “Southern Sunday’ and “Love Denied.”
In late June, Winkler was honored by being selected as the keynote speaker at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for the National Congressional Art Competition. He delivered an inspiring speech to the audience of almost 400 students and state representatives.
Winkler’s artwork has been used for numerous fundraisers, including Preservation Pennsylvania. His paintings have been featured on candy boxes for Nereus Chocolate Corp. and on wine bottles for Starr Hill Winery in Curwensville.
Limited edition prints of Winkler’s painting entitled “Life Source” are currently being marketed as part of a fundraising event for the Western Pennsylvania Habitat Unlimited organization, a non-profit organization focused on the preservation of nature and wildlife, a cause dear to Winkler’s’ heart.
No stranger to Asheville, in the 1980’s, Winkler was one of the original members of The Asheville Gallery of Art on College Avenue. Also, by invitation of gallery owner John Schneider, Winkler had several successful one-man shows at Ink Inc. Gallery and exhibited regularly at Artworks, both located on Lexington Avenue. He also serves as a fine art consultant for High Country Crafters.
For the past several years, Winkler has been teaching watercolor technique at the DuBois Area School District, the Brockway Area School District and the DuBois Area Business College with their artist in residence programs. He also offers workshops and ongoing classes at his DuBois studio located at the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art in downtown, DuBois.
All credits aside, Winkler insists that it’s all about the art. “I feel that my art is form of language that I use to communicate ideas and emotions,” he said.
As co-founder of the Winkler Gallery and Art Education Center located in DuBois, Winkler continues to volunteer his time as the gallery manager.
Currently, the Winkler Gallery represents 17 of the region’s most successful artists. The Winkler Gallery was recently awarded the 2011 “Mover and Shaker” business of the year by the Clearfield County Recreation & Tourism Authority.
An artist reception will be held for Winkler at 6 p.m. July 30 at the Liddle Gallery. The art gallery is located at 109 E. Market St., in downtown Clearfield.