Marilyn Affolter, Photographer

Marilyn Affolter’s photography is all about life and capturing images of rich life stories before they’re gone. Her photos show the focus, inspiration, and strong emotional connection she experiences with all things and all people in a world where “no man is a stranger”. She prints her images with minimal color, often focusing on monochrome which lends itself well to storytelling.

Marilyn’s love affair with the camera began with her parents’ Brownie, the family subscription to LIFE Magazine, and her desire to “do what they do”. Her work has been recognized by National Geographic, Smithsonian, Popular Photography, and numerous other publications, as well as displayed in select galleries and in both professional and private collections.

Nancy Jorine (Cheney) Brown, Sculptor

Much of Nancy Brown’s life has revolved around horses. Her love affair with them began when, as a very small child, her uncle set her on gentle old broodmares, and she’s had horses ever since. She’s worked with Arabian horses training, showing, and racing them and has been a riding instructor for 45 years. Her horses provide ideas and inspiration for her art work.

Nancy began painting, drawing and sculpting when she was 10 years old. She is entirely self-taught and has sculpted and produced works for private parties and equine organizations: Her polo player, Checked, was selected from more than 600 international entries in a juried competition sponsored by Equine Images magazine and is exhibited at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs. Both Arabian Horse Country and The Pinto Horse magazines have published articles about her and her work.

Nancy’s family consists of Leo, husband of 53 years, four children and seven grandchildren. She operates the boarding stable in Independence, OR that she established in 1979 when she returned to Oregon from Alaska.

Brian Harding, Illustrator

Brian hails from Redmond, OR, and began to learn the tricks of the rodeo trade when he began volunteering, as a student, at various college rodeo events on campuses in Central Oregon. He went on to work with the Justin Sports Medicine Team at rodeos and bull riding events. After college, he was employed by a company that sponsored many rodeo and rodeo related events, and he had the opportunity to travel the Western States. All this time, he was developing his skills as an artist. He has produced artwork for rodeo posters and for many individuals who have commissioned him to produce personal art pieces.