Born in northern Wisconsin on August 28, 1942, Gerald Balciar had an early interest in art beginning back in grade school. His art is noted for its readily identifiable artistic style which is grounded in an in-depth knowledge of animals. For reference he works from his extensive library of wildlife material which includes photos, magazine clippings, books, and numerous study casts and measurements. His largest marble carving is an 18', 16,000 lb. cougar, Canyon Princess, which was installed at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in June, 1995. He is a fellow of the National Sculpture Society and a member of the Society of Animal Artists, Allied Artists of America and Northwest Rendezvous Group. He has won several awards, including nine from the National Sculpture Society, and is listed in the Who's Who in American Art, Who's Who in the West and the Directory of American Sculptors. He has taught at the Scottsdale Artists School, Art Students League of Denver, and Loveland Academy of Fine Arts. Balciar's most prestigious award is the Prix de West received in 1985 from the National Academy of Western Art at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City for his marble, River Companions.