Brian Olson- WhitetailsM

Brian Olson - Whitetails World Champion taxidermist Brian Olson hails from Platteville, WI and has been a full time taxidermist for 35 years. Brian has competed throughout his career for “continuing education” and to keep in touch with the vast number of great people he has met over the years. He feels strongly that there is always something new to learn, and as techniques and materials advance, so must the taxidermists’ skills. His interest in deer anatomy has led to a role in manikin sculpting for Matuska Taxidermy Supply. In addition to his Best in World Title, Brian has also been awarded National Champion, North American Champion, Best of show three times, and State Champion in WI, IA, and MN. Artistry has always been an important aspect of his work, and has resulted in 5 WASCO awards. We are pleased to welcome back Senator Olson and look forward to having him share some of his knowledge.

Brenda DuVall - Gameheads/Mammals
Jim Kimball - Birds

Brenda DuVall and Jim Kimball here. We have decided to do something different here and write our bio’s as one. The two of us have very similar begins with taxidermy. I was introduced to it by a High School Biology teacher and Brenda by a friend at the same time, some 35 plus years ago. At present time we work together in our full time studio located in Medford, Wisconsin. Taxidermy is pretty much a seven day a week job that we both love. We both have the same belief with taxidermy, that in order to have consistent results with the final product you most first have an understanding of anatomy and movement in the particular bird or mammal you are working on. This will only happen if you take the time to educate yourselves thru reference books, watching live animals in their natural habitat, and most importantly from competing and learning from others. So whether you’re a Beginner or a Master you should be competing to learn, not win. Brenda has taken to heart the meaning of giving back to the industry.  She maintained a board seat for 8 years and then served as the vice president of the Wisconsin Taxidermy Assoc.  She served on the NTA board of directors for two consecutive terms, 6 years.  She then went on to serving on the UTA Board of directors for many years, serving as secretary, then vice-chairman then 3 years as the Chairman of the UTA. Collectively as competitors we have been blessed to win many major awards. Between the two of us we have Four Best of Shows, Four WASCO’s, numerous Best of Category's, Carl Ackley Award, NTA National and North American Championships, World Show 1st. Place Competitor Award, 3rd in the World Waterfowl, Breakthrough Award, and the list goes on.            Taxidermy has also taken us places we never thought were possible. We have worked on animals and props for 5 major movies and numerous commercials.  We spent 2 months in Africa setting up a tannery and taxidermy studio for a private company. We have traveled to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada to judge and teach, and learned so much in return. Our involvement in the competition part of this industry has provided us with many memorable moments. Not only has competing improved our techniques, it has also brought many cherished friendships into our lives. We look forward to being part of your convention and wish all of you safe travels to the event.

Jimmy Lawrence - Fish/Reptiles 

Fish/Reptiles Jimmy Lawrence owns and operates Lawrence Taxidermy, a fish-only studio in Blockton IA, where he has done taxidermy for the past 17 years. When Jimmy competes he is a force to be reckoned with in the competition room. To his credit he has several blue ribbons, Polytranspar Awards, McKenzie Awards, State Champions, Best of State, Pro-1 Award, Woody Award for Best of Show – runner up, and many others. Beyond being a solid competitor, Jimmy is also a fantastic teacher. His seminars are interesting and engaging, his critiques precise, and his ability to convey information in a way that is easy to understand is a real credit to his ability to judge. This ability to teach is likely why his “Painting a Largemouth Bass”, and “Mounting a Fish 101” DVDs from Taxidermy University have been such a big success. Though he has judged other shows, such as NE, MI, and OK, it’s a privilege to have him join us this year for the first time as a judge at the MTA.

Dave Bartlett - Amateur Division 

Hi, I’m Dave Bartlett. I live in Rich Fountain, MO with my wife of 32 years. I have 3 grown children (which grew up WAY too fast), and we have 3 grandchildren. I own and operate Image Taxidermy Studio and have been a taxidermist for 30 years. I started mounting my own deer one time, then someone says “oh, you can do mine”, then again and again…you know how it goes. Being self employed as a taxidermist for the past 25 years has been a blessing in our lives.
                Some of my accomplishments are bringing home awards and ribbons from state, national, and world shows. Those include 4 State Championships and my favorite, the McKenzie Distinguished Service Award. I am basically known for my mammals, and love to share any knowledge I have with anyone that asks. I have been a way past board member and secretary/treasurer of the MTA. I am fond of our association and always try to recruit non-members. The association has given me so much knowledge and so many friendships.
                My hobbies are old muscle cars, and camping with my wife. My philosophy is go while you can, because when I’m over 70 I might not be able to.