Vern Friesen grew up on a grain and livestock farm near Henderson, NE. At an early age he showed interest in animals on the farm and the wildlife of the area. He also showed a talent for drawing, so it is natural that his creativity is expressed in western art.
Vern earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from Chadron State College in 1973. Since that time, he has been a farmer, cattleman, and rodeo contestant while developing a career as a painter and sculptor. Vern maintains a studio and gallery in downtown Henderson where he paints, sculpts, makes molds, works waxes, and does finish work on his own bronzes as well as for other sculptors.
In 1999, Vern was awarded a commission from the National Cattleman’s Beef Association to sculpt the bronzes for the “Environmental Stewardship Awards Program.” Due to this project and his almost 20 year relationship with the organization, he has become a well-known name among ranchers, farmers, and cattlemen across the United States. In 2000, he was commissioned by Sutton, NE to sculpt a life-sized civil war soldier to finish a monument started in 1887. Since that time, Vern has worked on three more life-size sculpture pieces all located in the state of Nebraska. Currently, Vern works with the annual Cattleman’s Ball to create a special series of bronzes which are auctioned at the event.
Vern is a member of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and the Aurora Area Artisans Association. His artwork reveals his passion, love, and respect for the people, history, and culture of his home state of Nebraska
Vern’s inspiration comes from the land he works, the cattle, horses, and people he works with and his love of the nature that surrounds him.
Visit the website at: http://www.vernfriesen.com/