R. Greg DeBella

R. Greg DeBella (1958-1991) was born and raised in Trinidad, Colorado, attending Holy Trinity, Trinidad Catholic High, and Trinidad State Jr. College. He went on to study at Adams State in Alamosa and earned a BS degree in Wildlife Biology from CSU-Ft. Collins. He returned to make his home in Trinidad in 1987. His love of art, especially sculpture, began as a preschooler when his severe asthma and allergies limited his physical activity. Through the years, his love of nature and his adventurous spirit led him to meld a career as a wildlife biologist and artist by honing his skill in casting bronze at Shidoni Foundry in Santa Fe, NM. Greg drew upon his years of experience as a professional wildlife consultant and hunting guide to present the anatomically correct relationship of muscle, bone, and sinew while capturing the spirit and essence of his subjects. From the massive grizzly to an inquisitive prairie dog, a coal miner or warrior, Greg brought to life in sculpture his knowledge and personal adventures. DeBella’s style, described as having grace and fluidity normally found only in nature, brought him nationwide recognition. In 1990, his wildlife lithographs were featured in the Trinidad National Bank calendar and his sculptures were sold in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas before his untimely death caused by a brain aneurysm. Today you can see his “High Tailed” on display at Cimino Park, here in Trinidad.