Widely acclaimed wildlife artist Jeff Tift grew up in Cashmere, Washington, surrounded by the majestic Cascade Mountain Range, where he spent much of his youth hiking and backpacking. Tift believes that getting out into the wild is the most important part of being a wildlife artist, and he has certainly done so in his own career. He lovingly depicts the mountains, high lakes, and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on sharing the wild with animals and preserving and protecting nature. Tift won Best in Show at the Pac-Rim Wildlife Art Show, a People’s Choice Awards at the Milwaukee Sports Show, and Best of Show at the Thirteenth Annual Northwest Territorial Art show.