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By Alicia Noragon
GRAYLING– In October 2025 Kim Diment made history becoming the first Michigan artist ever to achieve Master status in the internationally acclaimed Society of Animal Artists.
She earned the prestigious designation after receiving her fifth Award of Excellence, placing her among an elite circle that includes masters such as Robert Bateman, Carl Brenders, Mort Solberg, Bob Kuhn, Guy Coheleach, and Carel Brest van Kempen. Since the Society’s founding in 1960, only 18 artists out of more than 1,200 members have attained Master status. Today, just 12 living artists hold the title.
Her award-winning painting—a 48” x 36” acrylic of a Great Blue Heron hunting along Michigan’s AuSable River, captured the quiet tension and beauty that defines her work. Awards of Excellence are determined by independent jurors, often museum curators and gallery directors, making the honor especially significant.
Kim’s journey to Master was anything but easy. She faced three rigorous juries before gaining associate membership in 2007, became a Signature Member in 2010, achieved Member of Distinction in 2022 after 15 juried exhibition acceptances, and now after 12 years and five Awards of Excellence she has reached the Society’s highest honor.
She is also an Associate Master of the Art Renewal Center and a Signature Member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society.
Kim’s portfolio of more than 250 wildlife works can be viewed online at www.kimdiment.com or at Main Branch Gallery in Grayling.
