Discover this jewel box of artist’s artists at RS Hanna Gallery, representing a select group who’ve been winners of prestigious shows, featured on national magazine covers, loved by collectors and the media alike. All wow in the connection that real art always does, capturing us in a moment but enchanting us for a lifetime. Located in the heart of the historic district, just a few feet off the beaten path…Come discover this new incarnation of exemplary artists assembled by RS “Shannon” Hanna and take inspiration home.
Joy Kroeger Beckner has had a love of art since childhood and is inspired by the sensuous shapes of skin, bone and muscle in human and animal forms. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, and trained at Washington University School of Fine Arts there, she first worked in fashion, then fund-raising, and returned to art about twenty years ago when a sculpture class reawakened her love for modeling clay. She is thrilled to make something move in-the-round and to bring memorable experiences, from giggles to tears, to those who view her finished creations.
Meticulously involved with every step of the sculptural process from modeling clay or wax to chasing and finish work, Joy also hires the best in the United States to produce her vision into bronze. This attention to detail and commitment to creating strong representational work has resulted in many awards and invitations to membership in prestigious organizations.
Professional memberships include: National Sculpture Society, Fellow 2014; The Salmagundi Art Club, Non-Resident Artist Member, 2012; Society of Animal Artists, Signature Member, 1999; and, American Women Artists invited her to Master Signature Membership after she received Best of Show in 1999. The Margaret Harwell Art Museum, Poplar Bluff, MO invited Joy for her first solo exhibition in 2012. The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, St. Louis, MO, features Joy’s work August 23-24, 2014.
Best known for her series of dachshunds, Joy has earned international recognition and over 80 awards portraying these endearing animals. To date, she has exhibited in seven National Sculpture Society shows earning four awards including their Silver Medal. Other major awards include the Ellin P. Speyer Prize from the National Academy; six Best in Shows; five Best Sculpture in Shows; and from the Society of Animal Artists: two Awards of Excellence, the Leonard J. Meiselman Award, and the Elliot Siskin Award.
Her work is collected on six continents, by museums and corporations including 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.
RS Hanna Gallery 