April - 2007 - Judging for the 2007-2008 Maryland Black Bear Stamp Competition
was conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at the Patuxent Wildlife Visitor Center in Laurel, Maryland. Judges selected the winning painting from a sizable number of entries, with Steve Oliver’s painting of a single black bear being chosen as the image to be placed on the 2007-2008 conservation stamp. Steve, a wildlife artist from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has the distinction of being the only artist to win this award more than once, since the Black Bear Stamp Program began in 1996. His paintings were chosen for the in 2000 stamp, and again in 2003 for the 2003-2004 stamp.

Entries for the competition were accepted in all media, including photographs, and were required to be 7 inches by 10 inches in a horizontal orientation, with the subject being a black bear. Mr. Oliver chose to submit a detailed acrylic painting and rendered the more unusual brown phase of the species in his entry. The bear depicted on the stamp is shown feeding in a bog habitat, similar to the glades of Western Maryland, frequented by many of Maryland's black bears when feeding to fatten up after the winter sleep. This black bear demonstrates the different color phases of the eastern black bear, which may range from coal black to blonde to brown.

2003-2004 Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp

Begun 7 years ago, the Black Bear Conservation Stamp Program began in 1996 and is authorized by the Maryland General Assembly. Each year, the stamp and other products, such as T-shirts, hats, and prints, generate funds that are used to compensate farmers who have reported damage to agricultural crops caused by black bears. Since the early 1900’s, the quality of Maryland’s wetlands and forest lands have been improving, following the end of decades of unregulated cutting of trees and destruction of wetland habitat in Western Maryland. Improving habitat conditions and the success of various bear management programs has helped invite bears back into these areas that they historically occupied.

“Just Another Day”, was chosen for the 2000 Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp

One of the objectives of Maryland’s Black Bear Management Plan is to minimize bear-human conflicts by helping the public cope with nuisance bear problems in a manner that will be effective and have minimal adverse impact on the bear population. As part of this plan, the Black Bear Conservation Stamp generates funds that are used to compensate farmers, who have reported damage to agricultural crops caused by bears. The Maryland DNR also responds to these complaints by providing technical assistance and educational materials to landowners. DNR also provides electric fencing to beekeepers.

Stamps are available through the Maryland Department of Natural Resource's website: www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife or by calling 1-800-873-3763.

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June 10 – 26, 2005 – This was a special honor for me. I was thrilled to be allowed to participate as the Artist in Residence, for more than 2 weeks, at the Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg, New York. Returning to the North Country of New York State, I had the extreme pleasure of spending over 2 weeks in the area, near my hometown of Watertown and the Thousand Islands region, where I spent more than 30 years of my life.

Frederic Remington Art Museum

During this 16 day stay at the Remington Museum, I demonstrated and discussed my painting and drawing techniques with visitors daily, at my drawing table while working on new pieces. Also, in my studio space, beyond the ornate and spectacular lobby at the museum entrance, I exhibited more than 50 original works of art and limited edition prints. A well attended 2-hour workshop was also conducted on Thursday night, the 16th, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, to further explain my creative process and painting techniques. Another demonstration was held on Saturday afternoon between 2:00 and 3:00 PM.

Studio space in the museum

where I worked daily

While at the museum, I had the treat of staying in the artist’s quarters in the decorative brick building, next door, known as 311 (the address). Elaborate walls, ceilings, fireplaces and decorative wood trim throughout made my stay there a memorable and enjoyable one. In addition to these comfortable accommodations, the museum staff was very friendly and couldn’t have been more congenial. I feel like I’ve made some new friends and for that, I will thank them all again.

Building 311, the Artist’s residence during stay

About the museum: The Frederic Remington Art Museum is dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, preserving and interpreting the art and archives of this accomplished artist. The depth and breadth of the museum's Remington holdings is unmatched. The great majority of items came directly from Eva Remington's 1918 estate and includes sketchbooks, endless pages of notes, photographs - even the cigars that were in his pocket before he died.

“The Broncho Buster” - Bronze, 1895

The museum’s collection also includes a full spectrum of the artist’s work, including some of his earliest achievements, many published paintings and drawings, and an inspiring variety of late-life paintings, which focus on the landscape. The collection of Remington's paintings, drawings and bronzes is, of course, the most important thing we have, but it's the combination of all the elements that lets you imagine Frederic Remington here, perhaps smoking cigars and drinking whiskey into the night with any member of his circle of friends.

For more information about the Frederic Remington Art Museum, you can call or go to the website at
1-315-393-2425 or info@fredericremington.org

New York, NY – May 2005: During the month of May, Steve’s artwork was included in an exhibit, featuring the work from 7 very different artists, at the Venezuelan Embassy Gallery in New York City. Presented and organized by Edna Davis, of Tyme Gallery in Havertown, PA., this show called, “Artistic Fusion”, represented a wide variety of styles, techniques, mediums and subject matters.

Exhibiting either 3 or 4 pieces from each artist, this very spacious gallery hung each artist’s work together in a group to showcase the diversity of the group. The exhibit will run until Tuesday, May 24, and opened with a well-attended reception, held between 6:30 and 8:00 PM, on Thursday, April 28.
The embassy and office of the Consulate General of Venezuela is located at 7 East 51st Street, across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Recently, in early November, 2002, the Society of Animal Artists held the fall jury for membership. Steve is honored and pleased to announce his acceptance as a
member of this prestigious organization. He is looking forward to being an active member and exhibiting in the group's many annual shows.

The Society of Animal Artists is an association of animal and wildlife painters and sculptors. Founded in 1960, the Society is devoted to promoting excellence in the portrayal of the creatures sharing our planet, and to the education of the public through its informative art seminars, lectures and teaching demonstrations. Some of the finest animal artists from the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Japan, and Australia are represented in the
Society's membership. Over the past 40 years the work created by these artists has established new standards of artistic excellence and respect, helping animal and wildlife art to achieve a place of honor in the field of fine art.

For more information, you can visit the web site: www.societyofanimalartists.com

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November 17 - 20, 2002: Washington, D.C. based organization, Defenders of Wildlife hosted their fourth bi-annual carnivore conservation conference held in beautiful Monterey, California.    It was a week filled with paper and poster presentations, field trips, and social gatherings. Steve Oliver was honored by being the featured artist at this year's conference. Scientists, researchers, conservationists and naturalists from all over North America attended the conference. Steve was accompanied by his wife, Lisa, to Monterey where they also enjoyed exploring the spectacular Pacific coast of California and seeing the many numerous marine mammals.

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. They focus their programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction.