It is Keizer Art Association's privilege and distinct pleasure to recognize Craig Leaper as our Artist of the month. Craig is an accomplished and recognized artist who enjoys the art of photography.

Artist's Statement:

I am originally from Pennsylvania and a retired Air Force Photographer. I am also a photo educator having taught photography workshops around the country while in the Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force I taught photography for ten years at a career and technology center. I have an extensive background in using both film and digital. I have been shooting digital since 1995. During my career as a photographer I have won numerous awards and have been published in various newspapers, publications, and web sites. I attended Columbia College while I was in the Air Force and have a B.A. in photography. I also attended Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for my M.S. in Instructional Design.

The more I photograph and observe nature and wildlife the more I am convinced both birds and animals have emotions and feelings. I strive to capture these moments by taking people closer to see better the detail, color and spirit of a wild creature. All these aspects help to illustrate the beauty and might of nature and provide a lasting impression that I hope enthuses and excites the onlooker. When we yearn for an inner peace and our instinct is to search for that which makes us smile and breathe more deeply, then I hope my images will delight the sight and mind of the observer. My message is: Let us wonder at nature and do everything we can to hang on to it.

You can see Craig's art in the KAA Gallery throughout the month of September