Philip Hershberger is an artist based in Topeka, KS. His paintings invite the viewer's contemplation and encourage us to consider his works through the lenses of our own experiences.Hershberger received a B.F.A. with Honors, majoring in painting, from Emporia State University in 1977. In 1979, he received his M.A., majoring in painting, from Emporia State University. His artistic influences include Richard Slimon, David Hockney, and Jim Dine. He has received many national honors including: The National Endowment for the Arts in 1987, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Purchase Exhibition and Purchase Award in 1987, The Kansas Governor’s Art Award in 1999, and the United States Department of State Art in Embassies Program, 2004 to present. Exhibited in many galleries and museums throughout the United States, his works are among many public and private collections.Lisa Kurts of the Lisa Kurts Gallery in Memphis, TN, said, "His encaustic paintings reflect a delicious quietude and graceful spaciousness, they also exude excitement and passion through an inspirational light captured in richly hot to stonily cool hues. These works allude to the emotional and spiritual shifting and pausing that occur during everyone's life through the interplay of subtle and elegant drawing and powerful, light-filled coloration. They evidence the triumph of spirit over worldly concerns."