Watertown, SD – Watertown native and famous Americana and wildlife artist, Terry Redlin, passed away Sunday, April 24th at the age of 78.
In 2007, after a lifetime of artistic achievements, Terry Redlin announced his retirement from painting and print signing due to his struggle with dementia. Redlin, who was widely known as “America’s Most Popular Artist,” had accomplished what he set out to do.
“I wanted to tell stories with my paintings, to remember the experiences of my youth, and capture forever events related to me by older folks I had the pleasure of knowing,” said Redlin. “America’s rural past, in my eyes, was a wonderful place full of both beauty and opportunity. How fortunate I’ve been to spend my life creating memories of those distant times for others to enjoy.”
It is rare that an artist’s work is so original in style and so immediately recognizable that it actually evolves into a genre of its own. Such is the case with Terry Redlin, whose heartwarming scenes have been gracing art lover’s walls for over three decades. Beginning with the 1977 release of “Winter Snows,” Terry Redlin enthusiasts have collected over 2 million art prints and an even greater number of collectibles and home décor products.
One of Terry’s most generous gifts was the Redlin Art Center. Built by Redlin to repay the State of South Dakota for an art scholarship awarded him earlier in his life, the center displays over 160 of Redlin’s original oils, early childhood sketches, and numerous articles from throughout the artist’s career. As part of his gift back to his hometown, the Center is open year round and admission is free.
The public is invited to attend a public viewing to pay final respects to Terry Redlin at the Redlin Art Center on Friday, April 29th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the Redlin family requests that all memorials be directed to the Salvation Army Food Bank at P.O. Box 136, Watertown, SD 57201.
