Bio
Debbie Lentz, former owner/operator of the successful Wombat Art Works Gallery in Waynesville, OH is now dedicating her artistic career to producing and promoting her own works of wildlife and nature subjects. Debbie’s early experience as a volunteer for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens helped to fuel her passion to create her realistic wildlife art, particularly her big cats. Debbie is a Dayton based artist, graduating from the University of Cincinnati with her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She is dedicated, wholeheartedly to the preservation of wildlife as well as the habitats in which they live. Through her art work, Debbie has helped to raise money for such organizations as the Cincinnati Zoo, the Center for Endangered Wildlife, the Angel Fund, the Columbus Zoo, the Hamilton County Parks, Raptor Inc., the International Society of Endangered Cats, and the Fishing Cat Species Survival Program. She hopes that through her art she can inspire others to do what they can to protect the earth and all its inhabitants.
Education
1987 BFA, University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH
Experience, Memberships and other Education
2015 – Present Member of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists
2014 – Present Member of the Society of Animal Artists
2014 – Present Member of the American Academy of Equine Art
2013 – Present Member of Masterworks for Nature
2010 – Present Freelance horse design artwork for Kelley & Co. using Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator
2005 – Present Member of the Susan K. Black Foundation (SKB)
2004-06,13,14,18,19 SKB Art Workshops in Dubois, WY/studying under Robert Bateman, John Banovich, Greg Beecham, Lee Cable, Guy Combes, Andrew Denman, James Gurney, Heiner Hertling, Mathew Hillier, Julie Jeppsen, John Seerey-Lester, John Ruthven, Jessica Zemsky, Bruce Miller & Rod Lawrence
1993– Present Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens Volunteer/past Procedures Team Leader at the CREW building; now doing Art, Design and Photography work
2000, 02, 05 & 08 Invitation and Program Artwork for the Angels of Music show at the Cincinnati Zoo to raise money for the Cheetahs
2005 & 08 Designed fiberglass centerpieces for Angels of Music
2002 Designed and created candle centerpieces for Angels of Music
2002 Designed and created The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens painted flowerpot entry for Cincinnati’s Flower Power Exhibition
2002 Created a painting for an officially licensed Kentucky Wildcat limited edition print for the University of Kentucky
2001 Created painting for limited edition prints for the Cincinnati Zoo’s CREW department to raise money for the Fishing Cat Species Survival Program
2000 & 01 Created two paintings for the Cincinnati Zoo to use for limited edition prints for recognized Volunteers
2000 Designed and created life size 2D animal silhouettes for the Angels of Music show at Music Hall, Cincinnati,OH
1990 – 2004 Ohio Society of Nature Artists (OSNA) Past President and member
Publications
2010 – Present The Kelley & Co. product catalog
2014 & 15 Aullwood Audubon Center publication w/Masterworks for Nature
2001 The Dayton Daily News, recognized for wildlife art
1997 The Artist Magazine, article on pastel techniques
Exhibitions
2019 In the Tradition of Audubon Exhibit, Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati, OH
2018 Between the Miamis, a Great Parks Exhibition, Cincinnati, OH
2017 CNC Wood Thrush Art Show & Awards Event, Cincinnati, OH
2017 Ruthven Gallery Art Show w/Masterworks for Nature, Georgetown, OH
2016 Art Show Event in Cincinnati w/Masterworks for Nature
2016 – 18 Art at the Trace, Solo Show, Centerville, OH
2015 Ruthven with Raptor a Raptor Inc. Benefit Event, Milford, OH
2014 Season of Equine Show at Customs House Museum, Clarksville, TN
2014 What We’ve Lost: Recalling the Passenger Pigeon – Show at Cornell University
2014 Loyd Library Show w/ Masterworks for Nature
2014, 15 & 17 The Art of Nature Exhibits I, II, III/Aullwood Audubon Center w/Masterworks for Nature
2013 & 2014 The Scott County Arts & Cultural Center Gallery w/ The American Academy of Equine Art
2012, 14, 16 KY National Wildlife Art Exhibit/OVAL/Henderson, KY
2005,06,13, 14,18,19 Small Works Art Show / Headwaters Gallery in Dubois, WY w/ SKB
2000,02,05 & 08 Angels of Music / Cheetah Conservation Solo Show
1999 – 2003 & 08 Hamilton County Parks Wildlife Art Show w/ OSNA
2002, 03 & 06 Centerville Fine Arts Market Art Solo Show
2004 Kentucky Horse Park w/ the American Academy of Equine Art
2004 Raptor Inc. Show w/ Christopher Walden
2004 Art Frame Gallery Wildlife Art Show w/OSNA
2002 – 04 Columbus Zoo / International Society of Endangered Cats Art Show w/ OSNA
1994 – 2004 Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens Art Show w/ OSNA
Recognitions & Awards
2018 Night Watch (Spectacled Owl) scratchboard won 1st place in the other medium category/Headwaters Gallery Small Works Show/Dubois, WY
2018 Autumn Prince (White Tail Buck) scratchboard was chosen for the ISSA Annual Show T-Shirt Design
2017 Wood Thrush Award – Cincinnati Nature Center, Cincinnati, OH
2016 Scanning the Area (Spectacled Owl) scratchboard won the Farmers State Bank & Trust cash Award/KY National Wildlife Art Exhibit (OVAL) Henderson, KY
2013 Screech Owl scratchboard entry won best frame for subject award/Headwaters Gallery Small Works Show/Dubois, WY
2012 Ruby Crowned Kinglet painting won the Chuck & Rita Stagg award/KY National Wildlife Art Exhibit (OVAL) Henderson, KY
CNC Wood Thrush Award-2017
Night Watch-First Place Award-2018
2016 OVAL Show Award