Joy Beckner

Chesterfield, MO

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Joy Kroeger Beckner is inspired by sensuous shapes of skin, bone and muscle. She models clay into classical forms, which are then cast into bronze. She is thrilled to make something move in-the-round bringing smiles, giggles or tears to the eyes of those who see and touch her work. In 1995, she followed her heart and created Dreaming of Tomatoes because of her love for her elderly dachshund. People responded lovingly to her newfound subject, and so did the art community. She had stumbled upon a niche! Joya's series of dachshunds, have earned her national recognition and over 50 awards. To date, she has exhibited in eight National Sculpture Society (NSS) shows. She's earned four NSS awards, including the National Sculpture Society Silver Medal. Other major awards include the Ellin P. Speyer Prize from the National Academy; four Best of Shows; and from the Society of Animal Artists, two Awards of Excellence, the Leonard J. Meiselman Award, and the Elliot Siskin Award. Joy's work has appeared in the New York Times, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, art and dog magazines, and on the world wide web on the MSN home page! She is included in Who's Who in American Art. Joy's collectors live on six continents and range from those who love Chihuahuas to Great Danes. Her work is in the permanent collections of the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, St. Louis, MO; The Library of Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg, MS; and the Dunnegan Gallery of Art in Bolivar, MO.