The good fortune to integrate our passions with our employment is an opportunity few people possess.  "I am grateful for this chance to express myself, and amazed and delighted that a life can turn out this way," says Steve Hein.  Wildlife artist, master falconer and director of a nature center - those three pursuits have much in common, and it’s easy to see how each passion might energize the others, but it was not so easy to foresee when the dreams were new.

          As a young, self-taught artist Steve Hein put his new business degree on the shelf in order to pursue a more creative calling.  His wife, Kathy, supported their young family while Steve’s talent and hard work began to build a promising career.  At an art festival, Steve met a carver who was a practicing falconer.  Steve had a childhood interest in birds of prey, and immediately seized the opportunity to learn this ancient art.  What began as an interesting hobby rapidly became a consuming passion, and Steve’s time was split three ways, between his family, his art, and his birds.

          Eight years into his art career, Steve was winning significant sponsors across Georgia.  Nations Bank, Georgia Power, the Wild Turkey Federation, and Ducks Unlimited joined numerous individual patrons in supporting and encouraging the young artist.  In those same years, Steve earned his Master Falconer license hunting with numerous avian partners, including a red-tailed hawk, harris’ hawk, American kestrel, and peregrine falcon, and also acquired the state and federal permits to rehabilitate birds of prey.

        Enter a bit of serendipity.  Georgia Southern University biology graduate Harry Mathews, a friend and art patron of Steve’s, had the idea of bringing a Bald Eagle to GSU.  Mr. Mathews was concerned by the level of public understanding for this endangered species, and thought that the presence of Georgia Southern’s mascot in an educational setting might make a difference.  With his federal permits, Steve Hein was asked to advise the concept committee, and was eventually asked to direct the endeavor.  The university pledged five acres of prime campus real estate and a portion of operating expenses, and asked Steve to spearhead the capital campaign.

          That was 1992.  Steve limited his artwork and falconry to his personal time, and embraced the dream of bringing environmental education to a region woefully lacking in wildlife education opportunities.  The first place he went was back to the friends and sponsors who had supported his art career.  Steve gathered an advisory board of nature enthusiasts who contributed their guidance and support, and used his personal collection of birds of prey and other wildlife to deliver educational programs to civic clubs and schools throughout the region.  When the Center for Wildlife Education opened in 1997, Steve had delivered more than 600 programs, and his board raised more than $2 million in building funds.

          The Center for Wildlife Education provides live wildlife encounters to approximately 40,000 participants each year.  Eagles, hawks, owls and falcons are perched in natural habitats along a scenic walkway.  Flighted raptors delight audiences in the amphitheater, while reptiles and other native and exotic wildlife are on exhibit and also available for touching and handling.  Opening the Center required that Steve educate a new staff in the training and husbandry of wildlife, especially birds of prey.  Five years after opening, the Center is home to approx. 30 birds of prey representing 17 species, and has three licensed falconers.  Raptor Watch, an opportunity to spend a day in the field with the falconers, is a regular program at the Center.

          The Center has also benefited from Steve’s creative abilities.  His artwork is evident in murals, signs, logos, exhibits, educational pieces, and commemorative prints throughout the facility.  Steve’s previous vocation and his avocation have been significant assets in his current position.

          In a second round of support and enthusiasm, Georgia Southern University has designated 12 additional acres to the Center for Wildlife Education, and the Center’s Advisory Board has approved a Phase II expansion set to double the outreach service of the facility.  Once again, Steve and the University have embarked on a capital campaign.

          Steve is reaching out to friends across the state for help building a facility of national prominence.  He takes opportunities as they present themselves, in his speaking engagements, his occasional television appearances, his featured artist invitations, his international travel program, and virtually anywhere he goes, to build support for environmental education.  Numerous art patrons, after supporting the Center in its early days, have already pledged significant support for the Phase II expansion.  Ducks Unlimited awarded Steve "Artist of the Year" in 1986, 1987 and 1990, and will offer a special version of Raptor Watch at their auctions this season.

          "It is no surprise that the folks who enjoy my art are wildlife enthusiasts, but how wonderful that they also lend their generous support to helping provide environmental opportunities to school children.  The friendships developed through my art and falconry have endured, and these friends have contributed to what I consider the greater mission.  It inspires me to be a better director, to grow as an artist, and to always stay connected with nature through falconry."

Significant Dates:

1983 - Georgia Southern University BBA

1986 - Georgia Ducks Unlimited, limited edition print

1987 - Nations Bank Carolina Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher Trilogy

1987 - Georgia Wildlife Habitat Management Area Stamp/Print

1987 - Georgia Ducks Unlimited Sponsors Print

1987 - Quail Unlimited limited edition print

1989 - Georgia Power, GA DNR Peregrine Reintroduction Program limited edition print

1990 - Georgia Ducks Unlimited Sponsors Print

1990 - Wild Turkey Federation limited edition print

1990 - First Financial Management Corporation limited edition print

1992 - Center for Wildlife Education and Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center inception.

1995 - Coca Cola and GSU College of Business Administration limited edition print

1997 - Center for Wildlife Education Opening

1997 - Raptor Research Foundation limited edition print

2000 - Drumming Palm Cockatoo, Amer. Zoo. Assoc. and White Oak Plantation

2002 - American Kestrels in Modern Falconry by Matthew Mullenix, cover art and illustrations

    In late 2006,  Steve Hein completed a painting commissioned by University President, Dr. Bruce Grube, to celebrate the university's Centennial .  Steve elected to present a sketch of Freedom, the newest of the university's bald eagles that he is training for free flights.   Through the power of art, Steve represented the bird in mature plumage, showcasing the white head and tail symbolic of our school and national symbol.  "The Power of Freedom" is proudly displayed in the President's Conference Room in the Marvin Pittman Administration Building, located on Sweetheart Circle.