The ARIZONA TAXIDERMY ARTISTS’ ASSOCIATION is an association built from its membership of business professionals and enthusiasts in the field of taxidermy and other hunting related industries.
The ARIZONA TAXIDERMY ARTISTS’ ASSOCIATION has been in existence for some 15 years. We are an affiliate representative of the National Taxidermy Association.
The ARIZONA TAXIDERMY ARTISTS’ ASSOCIATION has an elected President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The officers in conjunction with a Board of Directors are who govern this association and by their representation of all members. There are many functions of the ARIZONA TAXIDERMY ARTISTS’ ASSOCIATION including general member meetings, educational seminars and an annual show and competition.
The purpose of the ARIZONA TAXIDERMY ARTISTS’ ASSOCIATION is:
A) To offer educational and hands-on opportunities for the Youth of our communities, encouraging their passion for and knowledge of Wildlife conservation and to develop their sense of civic responsibility.
B) To function as a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife through the preservation of specimens to the highest standards in the art of taxidermy.
C) To foster an understanding in the general public about the field of taxidermy and other related outdoor activities.
D) To assist members and the public in their understanding and awareness of Federal/State Game and Fish regulations and the conservation of Wildlife and Natural Resources for future generations.
E) To engage in civic and charitable activities as deemed appropriate to facilitate and nurture the above.
To help keep current on new and innovative supplies and techniques, educational seminars are held several times a year for members and guests. We strongly encourage youth to participate. There is camaraderie and the sharing of ideas which makes these events fun and informational for all.
Each year the ARIZONA TAXIDERMY ARTISTS’ ASSOCIATION holds a taxidermy show and competition. Taxidermists from across the state and as far away as California, Utah and New Mexico will bring their best work for the show. This event draws nationally known NTA certificate judges that spend one day critiquing each wildlife piece that is entered into our competition. Many awards are given to the taxidermists entered, not only based on the scores given for individual merit from our judges, but also in specialty categories such as Best of Show, Judge’s Choice, People’s Choice, Best All Around Taxidermist, Taxidermist Challenge and many more. We also host seminars and have our banquet dinner on Saturday evening, along with our live and silent auctions, bucket raffles, and door prizes. Also participating in our annual show are national suppliers. They bring with them a wide inventory for our members to purchase. Typically this is an opportunity for members to purchase at discount prices and not pay a shipping charge.
We encourage participation from all members. There are many opportunities throughout the year for members to be active at various levels. Various committees are working on ongoing tasks throughout the year and always looking for assistance when you can lend a hand.
For more information, contact any of our Officers or Directors to see how you can be more involved.
Thank you!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The ATAA extends its appreciation by acknowledging the following individuals for contributing so much to our association over the years.
Past Presidents Term
Terry Johnson
2007- Present
Chuck Meacham
2006-2007
Bill Schroeder
2005-2006
Greg
McBride
2002-2004
Dan Stevenson
2000-2002
Jim Hartsock
1996-2000
Les Rainey
1994-1996
Henry Aguilar
1992-1994
Harry Paulson
1988-1990
Our thanks are also extended to the many individuals that have participated as past Officers and Directors.
Henry
Aguilar Bob Ledbetter
Dave & Peggy Barnhart Dan Lee
Dan Bishop
Ken Marshal
Dawn Derenski
Greg McBride
Toby Drye Harry
Paulson
Jason Ellico JoAnn
& Less Rainey
Bob Hancock Tim &
Trina Rajsich
Jim Hartsock Ken &
Monica Rowe
Henry Inchumuk Dan
Stevenson
Mary (Hilliard) Krueger Ed Turner
Chris Krueger Jack &
Nel Wight
Our Association has also been honored by the following individuals that have contributed as seminar speakers and judges over the years.
Henry
Aguilar Don Holt
Dennis Arp Brent
Housekeeper
Denny Behn Joe Kish
Bob Berry Chris
Krueger
Mike Boyce Mary
(Hilliard) Krueger
Scott Brewer Bill Lancaster
Craig Ciola Jim Lumsden
Manny Chavez
Roger Martin
Roy Cogburn Greg McBride
Tom Crane Joe Meder
Ron Davis Dennis
Middleton
Marcus Detrich
Danny Owens
Joel Edwards Jim Pitts
Bob Elzner Dan Rinehart
Tony Finazzo Stefan Savides
Mike Gillis Tom
Sexton
Jim Hartsock Berry Smith
As well we would like to extend our appreciation to the many Suppliers that have donated their time and materials for our shows and seminars.
A special “Thank you!” goes out to Bill Bauman of Tru-Fit Life Forms for his continued support and dedication over the years in attending all of our shows.
And, to our members, we would like to thank you for making this association what it is today. There are numerous opportunities throughout the year that many of you have shown your support, whether it is through donation or the gift of your time and it is greatly appreciated!! We are here! We are thriving!And, we look forward to much more to come! Please join us!!
THANK YOU!!
“We are gifted artisans who have been blessed with a talent that enables us to re-create wildlife. Gone are the days of “stuffing” a deer head. Let’s be creative and produce the highest degree of wildlife art. Your membership will make you a part of an organization that is dedicated to uplifting the image of this profession.” - Henry Aguilar
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