Keeping Watch—Loon

Gene Stevens

Gene Stevens was born and raised in Peterson, a small town in the southeastern part of Minnesota. He grew up roaming the bluffs and learning to fish on the various streams that run through this area. He has always had an interest in art and wildlife. At an early age he remembers having his Dad draw animals for him and then trying to drawn them on his own. Gene graduated from St. Olaf College in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art education and for 34 years taught art in Lewiston, MN before his retirement in 2007. He has also done freelance artwork throughout the years and twice was a finalist in the Minnesota pheasant stamp competition. Stevens has donated work to various conservation groups, local civic organizations in addition to several demonstration shows at the National Eagle Center in nearby Wabasha, MN. Gene’s originals appear in private collections throughout the country and his images have been licensed by companies across the United States for different product lines as well as publications for groups such as Safari Club International. Gene resides in Altura, Minnesota, just above the Whitewater Valley, where he enjoys fly fishing, running, music, hunting, and making primitive archery equipment.