Local artist uses various media to tell stories

Steve Eberhardt believes that part of his job as an artist is to not only expose people to art, but to tell them a story. The unique exposition of his work is a testimonial to the talent Eberhardt brings, not only to Montana, but to the hearts of the people who live here.

"A lot of people don't have the exposure. Not just exposure for the artists, but for people to be exposed to it. It's profound how many artists there are in Montana," Eberhardt explained. "Artists are unique storytellers. They not only interpret, but they immortalize a piece of art in time."

Whether it's studying the serene views in Carmel or capturing the essence of the Spanish mission of San Juan Capistrano, Eberhardt conceives art to be subjective. It's his story to tell, but what people take with them as they walk away is just as important as the narrative itself.

"The artist really only tells 50% of the story; the other 50% is what is interpreted by the viewer. Whether it's Degas, Gauguin or Michelangelo telling his stories of the church, I always believe that art is subjective," Eberhardt said.

A freelance artist who attended a private college, Eberhardt knew he had one chance, and he knew he had to make it work. Choosing a career as an artist can be an unpredictable lifestyle. However, his passion for art that stemmed from the early age of 13, when he sold his first portrait, has led him to remain steadfast in his determination to make a life for himself in the world of art.

As Eberhardt recollected the moment he knew he was destined to be an artist, the memory for him was still so clear in his head, it's as if it happened only yesterday. His father, who did maintenance at one of the local schools, took Eberhardt over to the art director.

"I was enthralled by being in an art studio for the first time," Eberhardt recalled. He had never seen a Maltese or a Picasso before, and as the art director opened up an art history book, Eberhardt was immersed in all the paintings, reaffirming what he always knew. He was an artist.

Now living in Paradise with his wife Lisa, Eberhardt says he creates over 1,000 pieces in a year. "There are 80 pieces hanging in the house right now. Across the country, thousands," he said. As a self-taught proficient, Eberhardt's expertise spans over many mediums. "From painting cars, to custom portraits, painting murals to teaching classes. I like to do as much artwork as I can, and get it out into the public eye, because I believe there is a real need for it," Eberhardt stated.

Eberhardt, who has traveled all over the world as an artist, has built up a clientele that allows his work to be seen comprehensively around the globe. "Pieces will sell within 24 hours, and are sent all over the country," he said. As a board member and volunteer for the Sanders County Arts Council (SCAC), Eberhardt's pieces have been displayed all over the county. The Plains welcome sign he created, which can be seen at the west entrance of the town, is just one of the many ways Eberhardt has helped the community.

"I like to donate and volunteer, because it not only promotes the arts in the area, but the groups I work with, the hospital and the SCAC. It gives them the opportunity to raise money for something that is not in the norm," Eberhardt said.

The artist, who works with a lot of mixed media and oils, is currently engrossed in a new sequence of drawings. "I do a lot of illustration," he exclaimed. Currently, he is working on a series of pieces called the "Dwarves." Eberhardt continued, "I don't stop. I always figured if you work hard, you can make a decent living, and you won't self-destruct."