Bear Track Studios, located in Southeast Michigan, is comprised of three artists/craftswomen: Author/illustrator Lori Taylor; artist and photographer Marie Rust; and woodworker Lisa Ramlow.  Founded in 2008, it is their love of nature and art that brought the three together.  They participate in many state and regional juried art festivals and have received many awards and accolades.  They have all had solo exhibitions in the area, and Lori has won art residencies at two Michigan parks, (Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area).

 

As nature/wildlife artists, environmental issues are important to the "Bear Girls," and they are members of several organizations including The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Audubon, and The Stewardship Network.  Locally they volunteer time doing work for the Michigan DNR’s Volunteer Stewardship program, which involves invasive species control and habitat restoration.

 

The girls' work and love of nature are intrinsically linked.  They celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world through their original works of art, books, and school visits. By volunteering for and supporting environmental groups they give back to the source of their inspiration.  Marie, Lori, and Lisa believe that through their work they can bring about a greater respect for the earth and all who share it.

Visit Lori's website to order books, get school visit information, browse her portfolios, and see a list of events.

On Marie's website you'll find all available original artwork, reproductions you can order online, her current show schedule, and links to some of her favorite organizations.