Anthony J. Obara Jr., who attended art classes at the Delaware Art Museum as a child, began sculpting in 1972 at the age of 24. Appreciating Fredrick Remington’s genius for capturing a moment and Charles Russell’s direct approach to interpreting cowboys in action with nature, Obara developed his own style, remaining true to each animal’s spirit and appearance in its natural habitat.
Memberships:
- Salmagundi Club, New York, New York
- The National Arts Club, New York, New York
- Philadelphia Art Alliance, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Arts Club of Washington, Washington, D.C.
- National Sculpture Society, New York, New York
- African Wildlife Foundation, Washington, D.C., Advisory Council (1984-1987)
- International Game Fish Association,
Diana, FL (Life Member) - Angler's Club of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Atlantic Salmon Federation, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada
- The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Greenwich, Connecticut
- The Explorers Club
, New York, New York
Vice Chairman, Philadelphia Chapter - Audubon Artists Society, New York, New York
Awards:
- Salmagundi Club: First Place, Annual Members Show, 1995
- Salmagundi Club: First Place, Summer Members Show, 1995
- Arts Club of Washington: First Place, Members Show, 1995
- The National Arts Club: First Place, 99th Annual Members Show, 1997
- Salmagundi Club: First Place, Annual Members Show, 1997
Obara’s works are or have been displayed in the following museums and government and corporate office buildings:
- Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington, Delaware
- National Museum of Sporting Art, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
- The Oval Office, The White House
- Salmagundi Club, New York, New York
- African Wildlife Foundation, Washington, D.C.
- Headley-Whitney Museum, Lexington, Kentucky
- Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, Delaware
- The Reagan Library, Simi Valley, California
- Bush Presidential Library and Museum, College Station, Texas
- The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Greenwich, Connecticut
- International Game Fish Foundation, Dania Beach, Florida
- Coca-Cola Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia
- World Wildlife Fund, Gland, Switzerland
- Zoological Society of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery, Lindsborg, Kansas
- Smithsonian Museum, Washington, D.C.
- Franklin Mint Museum, Franklin Center, Pennsylvania
- and many others
In addition, Obara’s sculptures are held privately in collections world wide:
- His Majesty King Fahd, Saudi Arabia
- Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace, England
- Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Monaco
- Her Grand Ducal Highness, Princess Charlotte of Luxembourg
- Windsor Castle, England
- Sandringham Estate, England
- His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Buckingham Palace, England
- His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, Buckingham Palace, England
- His Majesty, King Juan Carlos I, Barcelona, Spain
- Joseph Engle (USAF ret.), former NASA Astronaut (this bronze was the first to go into space in 1985 on STS 51 I and traveled 18½ million nautical miles)
- H. Norman Schwarzkopf, US Army General (Ret.)
- Mr. and Mrs. James Stewart
- Parker Rockefeller
- F. Warrington Gillet
- and many others
“Mr. Obara's life-like wildlife bronzes are an excellent example of the great versatility of this ancient medium. His use of color and texture is remarkable, and particularly appealing in his birds”.
Russell W. Peterson
Former President, National Audubon Society
“Brilliant interpreter of the beauty of our friends—the marine mammals.”
Jacques-Yves Cousteau
“Obara creates masterpieces. The phenomenon is marvelous to witness and seems to defy possibility, but the results speak eloquently of A. J. Obara's talents. He is a wildlife artist of unique stature.”
David M. Niles
Assistant Curator, Delaware Museum of Natural History
“Buddy's incredible ability to capture the image of nature in bronze contribute greatly to our respect and admiration of our natural world.”
Jim Fowler
Former President, Honorary Chairman, The Explorer's Club
Host, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom