Peter Gebhardt’s debut exhibition was on 20th December 1932 in Paramaribo, Suriname. He grew up in Suriname, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States of America. He began drawing and painting at every opportunity. Peter’s sketch diaries, begun as a youth, illustrated his travels and his life. He graduated from King’s College (New York).
Peter, after college graduation, began a career in graphic and advertising arts as an illustrator. He did layout and design as a graphic designer, became an art director (coordinating the work of many other designers) and then became creative director for several agencies.
His great love of fine art flourished and he exhibited widely, winning awards for his drawings and paintings. Peter’s work appears in several private collections worldwide.
It was Peter’s talent as a creative director that brought him to Georgia, in 1982. There, he met Natalie Bramham, his other great love. They have two children, Melanie and Alexis, also great loves, and live in Kennesaw. He received much assistance from the family animals who actively supervised his home studio with little respect for artwork but great appreciation for the back scratches and food provided by the artist.
When Peter retired from the advertising agency, he was able to devote his time to his family and his fine art. Whether he used charcoal, pencil, ink or paint, Peter created. His work continues to be exhibited widely, and may be seen in upcoming exhibitions in the Gallery 4463, opening October 5 (Acworth, Georgia) and the Fall Exhibition of the North Cobb Arts League opening October 4 (The Art Station –Big Shanty in Kennesaw, Georgia). His work may also been seen at The Daily Grind Coffee House and Café (3960 Mary Eliza Trace in Marietta).
For several years, Peter has been sharing his experience, wisdom, and wit with students of all ages in art classes offered through Cobb County Parks and Recreation Facilities (The Art Station – Big Shanty and The Mable House). He’s been an active member of The North Cobb Arts League as well, serving as the organization’s President.
Peter passed away on Sunday, September 16th in the company of his precious family. Peter leaves behind his beloved wife and children, Natalie, Melanie and Alexis, siblings Gerti Schmidt-Theuner (of Baden, Switzerland) and Roland Gebhardt (NewYork, USA), nephew Morgan Gebhardt (New York, USA). Peter, fortunate in family as well as talent, treasured his in-laws, Sharon and Stephen Bramham, and his sister-in-law, Kimberly Bramham, brother-in-law, Christopher Bramham. He also leaves a hole in the art community and in the hearts of the many people whose lives he graced with his character and his art.