Flourish Award: Steve Penley
By Cheryl Anderson Brown

Hidden beneath a gray sweatshirt and paint-speckled camouflage pants, the reticent artist seems almost out of place amidst the vibrant, motion-filled paintings that dwarf his tall, lanky frame. In the corner, a larger-than-life image of Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders rests casually against a canvas filled with racing cyclists. A cat captures the artist's attention, insisting on a cuddle.

Downstairs, a small boy creates homemade Valentine's greetings with his mom while his baby sister toddles around the kitchen table.

This is the world of Steve Penley, recipient of the College of the Arts first-ever Flourish Award, which was created to honor Georgians whose work as artists or on behalf of the arts has contributed to helping the arts flourish in the community. The award was presented to Penley at the college's 4th Annual Benefit Gala on March 19. The Benefit Committee selected Steve Penley because of his outstanding artistry, his success as a working artist and his interest in helping young artists get into galleries, especially in New York.

Penley was born into a family of musicians--his family still owns the Georgia Music Store in Macon--but his father still was not overly enthusiastic about Penley's decision to pursue a career as a painter. "I think he was worried that I'd never be able to make a living at it," Penley said, "and I'm still surprised that I get paid to do what I love. I've been very lucky."

Penley's fans would argue that luck had nothing to do with it. Talent and tenacity are the more likely secrets of his success. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Penley moved to Atlanta and took several odd jobs, including a stint as a bartender, but he always continued painting. He was able to sell a few pieces here and there, and to show his work on occasion.

Then, one day, Atlanta attorney and art enthusiast Robert Sneed saw one of Penley's paintings in a local restaurant and became his first real patron. Penley quickly gained recognition for the exuberance of his brush strokes and his vivid color choices. Since then, his work has been featured in more than 30 exhibitions and is now part of collections owned by Coca Cola, ESPN, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, King & Spalding, Zell Miller, Robert Mondavi Vineyards and many others. Penley is well known as a portrait artist, but is also recognized for his work with landscapes and florals. In recent years, his paintings of American icons from George Washington to Grace Kelly to Albert Einstein also also earned popular and critical acclaim.

Penley really started gaining notoriety a few years ago when a book of his work, "Penley," earned him the Georgia Author of the Year Award. The whole world took notice last year when he was selected as the official artist of the G-8 Summit on Georgia's Sea Island. Meeting and painting the portraits of the world's most powerful leaders, including President George W. Bush, didn't really faze him. However, he really enjoyed the private plane ride to the summit. "They had everything you could possibly want on that plane," he recalled with childlike glee. His wife, Carrie, remembered being more impressed with Laura Bush. "The wind was blowing my hair in my face when we met the President and First Lady. I kept thinking that must be why she wears her hair short."

Carrie's role in Penley's career goes far beyond shaking hands with presidents. The two of them clearly have created a symbiotic relationship that has helped keep Penley organized and has allowed them to raise their young children. Although not an artist herself, Carrie seems to have an innate understanding of her creative husband's ability and vision. She also keeps a close eye on the business side of things. "Check with Carrie," Penley responds to questions about scheduling appointments, delivering finished paintings or upcoming projects.

For his part, Penley seems very content in his sun-filled home studio where he is somewhat isolated from his growing success and celebrity. "Kennesaw State must have run out of people to give awards to," he said with characteristic modesty, when he learned about the award. Already scheduled to donate a 3'x3' floral painting to the College of the Arts' auction, Penley decided he needed to something "better." So, he delivered one of his huge iconic paintings--a 4'x9' close-up of Einstein's face that fetched $5,000.

"I felt so humbled to receive the award, I didn't want to give anything small," he said.

The painting was the largest of more than 100 items in the auction on the night of the Benefit Gala, but Penley himself was the star attraction. Top sponsors of the event were invited to meet him and Carrie at a special preview reception and were delighted by their quiet charm. As the other guests arrived, many sought out an opportunity to be introduced to them.

"They are just amazing," said visual arts student Amanda Elkins, who photographed the Penleys in their home and at the Benefit Gala for this article. "I'm really inspired by Steve Penley's career. He always kept working at what he wanted to do and now it is really paying off for him."

College of the Arts Dean Joseph Meeks was pleased to present the first Flourish Award to Penley precisely because he is a very good role model for students like Elkins. " He has persevered and succeeded as an artist, even though it may not always have been the easiest career to pursue."

However, that was only one of the reasons selected him for the award. Penley also was chosen because of his commitment to advancing the visual arts in the community. He has done so by encouraging his friend, Rob Matre, to open his own gallery at Tula Art Center in Atlanta and by helping young artists make their New York gallery debuts.

"I enjoy working with artists who are just starting their careers," Penley said. "Whenever I have the opportunity to put together a group show in New York, I always like to invite young artists to participate. Artists are not always very helpful to each other, but I think it is important to work together and help each other when we can."

In the end, it is that giving spirit that earned him the Flourish Award. "It is truly commendable when an established artist with a busy and thriving business takes the time to work on behalf of others who are still seeking that break-through opportunity," Dean Meeks said.

Penley's own ascent shows no signs of slowing. In addition to the Flourish Award, he also received an official commendation for the Georgia State Senate this year. In May, he released a new book, "Penley, Second Edition," published by Longstreet Press and honored with a launch party and exhibition at the Matre Gallery.

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