About The Artist

“I create to express my commitment to the preservation of both flora and fauna, to celebrate diversity and document fragility. Through color, light and unique composition I create an image reflecting the vitality of our extraordinary surroundings.” Evelyn is originally from New Jersey and Delaware, and has now lived in the Sarasota/Manatee county area of Florida for over 25 years. She received a Bachelors Degree from the University of Delaware and has also attended The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Ringling College of Art and Design. In 1984 Evelyn began exploring the world, visiting 48 of the 50 states as a scenic artist with Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus. She now continues to explore the country through the educational and conservation efforts of Haai, Inc. Shark Encounter, the family business.  Evelyn’s travels throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and Canada along with a year residency in Japan have shown a wide diversity of life and given her the opportunity to share experiences through art. In 2007 Evelyn adopted a nine year old Boxer female named Tilly through Florida Boxer Rescue. She wanted to help this wonderful organization but realized she would be a “Foster Flunky,” keeping any Boxer in search of a “furever” home, so she decided to help them through her art. Evelyn donates her work to rescues and shelters around the country to raise funds that directly help animals in need and their caretakers. Her dog portraits have recently been published in 1000 Dog Portraits - From the People Who Love Them and she is a signature artist with Art for Barks, a nonprofit that was formed to support Service Dogs, Rescue Animals and Animal Artists & Writers. Evelyn’s work is represented by Rhea Chiles’ Studio at Gulf and Pine on Anna Maria Island Florida, and held in private collections throughout the US, Canada, Australia, France, Spain and the Netherlands. Evelyn is a member of The Petticoat Painters, one of the oldest, continuously exhibiting women’s art groups in the United States. She serves on the governing board of Myakka River State Park with a dedication to bring artists and nature together. WILD: Artists and Animals of Myakka, a fundraiser featuring top artists of the Sarasota area is curated by Evelyn. She has been awarded fellowships and residencies from the Jentel Foundation, Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts, Dorland Mountain Arts Colony, Zion National Park and Weir Farm National Historic Site. Evelyn shares her 12-acre home Barking Dog Ranch, with her husband Philip, two dogs, visiting horses, sharks, and the occasional sea lion visiting from next door. Her life is a menagerie of the people, places and happenings of a distinctive south Florida experience.