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Dean Griff was
born in rural
Oneida, New York
and spent his
childhood and
early adult years
there, living and
working on the
family farm. From
an early age, Dean
shared in the
chores including
tending the farm
animals with his
brothers and
sisters. Often,
once his work was
done, Dean would
take long walks
through the nearby
woods where he
always enjoyed
watching the
animals making
their little
homes. An early
artistic talent
soon emerged in
Dean as he painted
dramatic, detailed
murals on the side
of the family
barn.
During his years
at Stockbridge
Valley Central
School, an
increasing
interest in
drawing led Dean
to study art, and
in 1983, at the
age of 23, he
began a new job as
Assistant to the
Curator of the
Syracuse
University Art
Collection. Dean
continued to
pursue his art in
the hours not
spent at the
university.
Entries and awards
for his wildlife
paintings in
university art
shows followed, as
did a small
business in hand
painted ornaments,
which Dean
originally gave as
gifts to friends.
In 1989 Dean moved
from New York to
Florida to work as
a set decorator
for television
programs and
commercials. At a
social function
the next year, he
met the Director
of Product
Development for a
major Christmas
decor and giftware
manufacturer—it
was an important
introduction for
everyone
concerned. After
submitting only a
dozen introductory
designs for
consideration,
many more were
requested. Dean
Griff’s Charming
Tails Collection
was born.
To date, Charming
Tails incorporates
over 1500 of
Dean’s designs as
delightful
figurines, hanging
ornaments,
waterglobes and
lighted houses.
The collection
includes numbered
limited editions,
dated pieces and
captioned designs
perfect for gift
giving to special
friends on special
occasions. From
his home in
Florida, Dean
Griff expresses
his love of
nature-the love he
learned as a child
on the farm-by
creating the
woodland world of
Charming Tails for
the thousands of
collectors who
have fallen in
love with these
endearing
collectible
figurines. |