Artwork by David C. Etler will be on display at the Maser Gallery at Falmouth Community Television from February 1 through February 26, 2015. The public is invited to attend the Opening Reception, Sunday, February 1, from 3:00-5:00PM.

Since childhood, Dave Etler has had an interest in art and wildlife, especially birds. Growing up in various college atmospheres, Dave was exposed to many artists and artistic styles. After high school he was drafted (Vietnam was on the horizon). He volunteered for the army airborne, and qualified for the Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. He also qualified as a student in the Special Forces medical school. After finishing school he had several deployments and finally was assigned to an “A” team in Vietnam. Art was the last thing on his mind at that time, but there was an abundance of photos taken then.

Upon return to the states, he applied to the P.A. Program (Physician’s Assistant) at Dartmouth Medical School and joined the practice of Dr. Langdon Burwell after graduation. After 20 years there, he became the P.A. at the JML and retired 10 years ago. During that time he worked in wood carving of birds. When Dave “discovered” pen and ink, carving took a back seat. In the past he used watercolor (dry brush), pastels and pencil, but he delved into the pen and ink medium and never looked back. Along the way, he began introducing colored inks into his work.

Photography was always an inspiration for his work and this kept him moving all over the world. All of the pen and ink works are created from the photo files taken over the last 50 years in many places. When asked what makes him “tick” as an artist, Dave replied: “Never thought much of it as I draw my pleasures. If something has a form and greets me positively, I try it. It is not always successful but I try it. There is always the shredder!”

This is Dave’s first show at the Maser Gallery.

Maser Gallery Exhibit Hours: Sunday 12-8 p.m.; Monday 2-10 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10-10 p.m., Friday 10-6 p.m.