Dempsey Essick

Dempsey Essick is a North Carolina artist based in the small community of Welcome, North Carolina in northern Davidson County.

Career
Dempsey Essick's career as local North Carolina artist began when wife Shelley begged Essick to paint a watercolor of a local landmark to hang in her office. Essick obliged and she received the painting as a Christmas gift in 1988.

When the couple went to pick up their painting after having it framed, the shopkeeper told the Essicks he had taken orders for 50 prints. Surprised, they took the painting to another framing store and received the same overwhelming response. Essick had only painted as a hobby, but soon things would change.

Essick borrowed money to have 500 prints made. The prints sold out within two weeks. Essick decided to make a career out of art. He quit his job and devoted his days to painting. The public responded very well to Essick's historic and straightforward style. Essick has said, "I never meant to walk this path. I have never had any formal art training and believe me, I never foresaw a future as an artist."

Essick's gallery is located in Downtown Welcome on Old US Highway 52. It offers a comfortable living room atmosphere which invites browsing and reminiscing.

Personal Life
Essick is married to Shelley Essick, a former postmaster, Mrs. Essick now acts as the Dempsey Essick Gallery manager. The couple have two children: a son John, Jr. and daughter Elizabeth.

Trivia

*Dempsey lives on a small farm in Welcome, in the same house where he was born.

*Self taught, self expressed realist watercolor artist. Believes his talent is a gift from God.

*Graduate of Forsyth Technical Community College with a degree in mechanical drawing; no formal training in art.

*Signature member of the elite National Watercolor Society

*Named an official B.A.S.S. Artist

*Exhibits include The National Academy of Design in NYC, The National Watercolor Exhibition in Former president of the NC Bluebird Society California, the Rocky Mountain Watermedia Exhibition in Colorado.

*Former president of the NC Bluebird Society

*Desires to release a line of sculptures

*Enjoys movies with friends, teaching Bible Study, and Carolina basketball.

*Hobbies include hiking, camping, and especially fishing

*Daily routine includes 8am and 5 pm feeding of live mealworms to his favorite bluebirds.

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