Squires & Stags is pleased to bring renowned portrait artist Ross Rossin to Big Canoe for the club’s August 1 breakfast meeting.

He will display several of his larger-than-life canvases at the 7:45 a.m. meeting and will tell of his experiences with his famous subjects, such as the Bushes, Nelson Mandela and Ambassador Andrew Young.

The artist will also exhibit his portraits for viewing in the clubhouse on Thursday Evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Bulgarian-born Rossin was a child prodigy. He began painting at age six and learned oil painting techniques by age nine. He was accepted in Bulgaria’s prestigious National High School of Fine Art and later finished at The Sofia Fine Art Academy, cum laude.

Rossin will be accompanied by his wife, an accomplished artist herself, and their two children. He will share their personal story of coming to America as immigrants and now living the American dream.

His portrait commissions and solo exhibitions have taken him world-wide. In 2001 he and his family relocated to the USA, settling in Atlanta, where he has created more than 250 portraits in the last seven years.

Visitors to the Booth Museum of Western Art in Cartersville will recognize one of his paintings, a 20’x13’ canvas called “Meeting in Time,” depicting all the US presidents of the 20th Century gathered in the Cross Hall of the White House. The portrait was four years in the making.

Rossin is an active member of Rotary International and will be the guest of resident Tarby Bryant who arranged for his appearance in Big Canoe through his Rotary connection.

Squires & Stags meets in the Mountains Grille at the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti. Coffee is ready at 7:45 a.m. followed by a buffet breakfast served at 8:00 a.m.