Charles Strain graduated from Culver-Stockton in 1989 before moving his studies to Florence, Italy with Studio Art Centers International. Since graduating, he has been creating bronze sculptures and, over the span of 30 years, has created over 100 individual designs. Once a design is complete, it is recreated in a wide range of sizes, from a few inches tall to monumental. Strain has produced pieces for cities, states, institutions across America, private companies and individuals.
Most recently, he participated in the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival in Winter Park, FL, where he won the Award of Merit. The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. The Festival debuted in March 1960 as a community project to bring local artists and art lovers together. Below, you will see a picture of his sculpture that received the “Award of Merit.”
“The impact from Culver continues to roll over and over in my soul,” Strain shared. “Images of friends, experimentation of art, and life and self blossomed with my art education at Culver thanks to so many that have allowed me to continue. Debra Scoggins Meyer still inspires- thank you, Deb! As for the award, I have had a seemingly peaceful and inspirational COVID-19 sabbatical. It was nice to be able to exhibit safely as COVID-19 regulations in Florida dropped or loosened. The Winter Park Art Fest is one of the oldest outdoor shows put on by volunteers and many of my artist peers exhibit there. After a life of outdoor exhibiting, an honorable award at such a prestigious show always makes one smile.”
