St. Augustine sculptor recognized at FWC meeting
News Release
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Media contact: Joy Hill, 352-258-3426
(Back to Commission meeting news)
At their June 8 meeting in World Golf Village, St. Augustine,
commissioners of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) recognized St. Augustine sculptor Pierre Pierce
for his contributions to fish and wildlife conservation through his
highly acclaimed marine artwork.
He uses his marine experience to intricately sculpt marine
animals such as sailfish, turtles, manta rays and even manatees out
of bronze. To see some of his work, go to www.pierreart.com.
"It takes people like you to promote fishing and the outdoors.
Thank you Captain," FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto told Pierce during
the recognition.
Pierce had praise for the Commission.
"Over the years, I've watched the FWC take difficult problems
and make them work for the citizens of Florida," Pierre said.
During more than 50 years working in a marine-related
environment, Pierce has been a marine technician, captained
research vessels, collected tropical fish and marine animals for
various aquariums, done underwater photography and fished in
tournaments.
Pierce was born in Chicago in 1935. He later moved to Camp Hill,
Pa., where he learned about hunting and fishing in and around the
Appalachian Mountains. In 1953 he moved to Florida to study marine
biology at the University of Miami. He started the "Sea Devils"
spearfishing club there in 1954 and four years later got his
captain's license.
He worked at the Rosenstiel Marine Lab at the University of
Miami as captain, marine technician and underwater photographer.
For two years he was also the captain of Chicago's Shedd Aquarium's
marine education, collection and dive vessel.
From 1975-1991 Pierce worked for the Bertram Yacht manufacturing
company as captain of its factory boat, Moppie. His main job was
promoting the company. Although he did his first artwork in high
school, it was while working at Bertram Yacht that he began
sculpting professionally.
Pierce is a self-taught artist, with help from other artists and
professionals, and he has been recognized by organizations such as
the International Game Fish Association, the Billfish Foundation
and Southern Trial Lawyers Association. He has sculpted awards for
many major fishing tournaments, and his work has appeared in
numerous publications.
He and his wife, Anita, who is also a licensed captain, are
charter board members of the Guana Tolomato National Estuarine
Research Reserve Friends of the Reserve, and he has served as the
group's president for three terms. He is also a member of the St.
Augustine Art Association, a past board member of the Marine
Industries of Northeast Florida, and a past board member of the
Ancient City Game Fish Association and the Greater Miami Billfish
Tournament. In addition, he is recognized as a United States Coast
Guard artist.
Pierce is currently working with the Marineland Right Whale
Project as captain and technical advisor to Dr. Jim Hain for his
onsite studies.
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