ABOUT THE ARTIST

Margie Bowker

The 2011 Chardonnay Symposium poster artwork was created by Santa Maria fine artist, Margie Bowker.  Born, raised and educated in South Africa, Margie and her family settled on the California Central Coast 14 years ago. Having graduated from the Grahamstown Teaching College, Margie taught school subjects for many years before turning to Fine Arts as a professional artist.

As a unique artist her subject matter is extremely diverse, ranging from portraiture to landscapes in all mediums. Margie has held many solo exhibitions in California and abroad and has illustrated several children’s books.

While watching the development of the wine lands in the Santa Maria valley with great excitement, her vineyard paintings have increased in popularity every year.

Margie explains, “I believe that the reward as an artist is the enjoyable process of creation inspired by the wonder of the creations of God. The owners reward is the visual and aesthetic pleasure which nourishes the soul.”

Reproductions of her paintings on art tiles are the newest addition to her repertoire. The popular tiles are perfect tasting room gifts, memoirs and kitchen accessories and are available through her website, along with her gallery of original artwork.

Margie maintains that some paintings must be shared more than once, and in response to this has printed high end limited edition giclees, signed and numbered.

“Art is my passion and my living; I thank God every day for this talent,” shares Margie.  “I look forward to The Chardonnay Symposium where I will be showing my chardonnay paintings from our many beautiful Santa Maria valley vineyards and wineries.”