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Gery L. Deer

Writer, Editor, Speaker, Whip Artist

Managing Director of The Whip Artistry Studio

 

Gery L. Deer is a professional whip artist and writer with an educational background in science, physics, and engineering. He grew up on his family cattle farm in the heartland of Ohio during the 1970s and 80s. His work with whips began on the farm as a tool to clear weeds from electric fencing after having seen Douglas Fairbanks in "Don Q Son of Zorro" in 1979. Self-taught, his desire for the practical application of the whip took time, effort, and many mistakes!

 

In 1989, Gery began performing at local festivals and events and teaching the whip in one-on-one sessions at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. A few years later Gery worked with martial arts and theater students at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Throughout his career, he has worked with actors, stunt performers, television and movie projects, hobbyists, and an array of local variety entertainers. He has performed in stage productions, variety shows, independent films, television programs, and for such venues as the Funny Bone Comedy Club and the Schuster Performing Arts Center in Dayton, Ohio.

 

As a performer and teacher, Gery presents workshops and exhibitions on whip artistry all over the United States and also competes in the various speed and accuracy competitions around the country that were once part of the Wild West Arts Club. One of the most successful of these events is Western Arts events is the Annie Oakley Western Arts Showcase, which he started in 2003 and is still going on today. The national event is held every July in Greenville, Ohio, Annie's home town, and in addition to roping and knife throwing, the event features several whip artistry convention. Information at www.ohiowesternarts.org. Gery also performs in many other venues besides western, ranging from renaissance to night clubs and comedy clubs.

 

Usually, Gery performs with his wife and partner, Barbara “Scout” Deer. Scout performs along side Gery in a number of different productions as well as keeping the position of marketing director for the production company and their shows. The couple has been featured on the WB network's "Steve Harvey's Big Time Challenge," and on NBC's "America's Got Talent." Not to mention local and regional television projects and news shows.

 

Gery started the The Whip Artistry Studio in 1998 as a way to offer year-round whip artistry education. To date, it is the only facility dedicated to the whip arts in the United States. Under his direction, his performance company, GLD Enterprises & Productions, has produced variety shows, western arts conventions, regional whip competitions, and a variety of fundraisers and charity events throughout Ohio.

 

In 2006, Gery was named International Advisor on the Whip by the World Stunt Association and inducted into the International Knife Throwers Hall of Fame in 2007 as Wild West Performer of the Year. His whip artistry performances have been featured around the country on stage and on national television programs like the WB network's "Steve Harvey's Big Time Challenge," and NBC's "America's Got Talent." He is also the founder and executive educational coordinator of the Society of American Whip Artistry , the only existing professional organization for non-combative whip artists.

 

During his early years in whip artistry, Gery's need for functional whip holstering and carrying equipment was apparent. By 1990, he had developed a functional whip holster and coil keeper system and began producing them for sale in the mid-1990s. In 2003 his specialized whip holstering equipment was used in the Universal Film "The Rundown," with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. The studio's property manager wanted to use them in the movie because of their modern look and functionality. Nearly 30 of these holsters were commissioned especially for the film. See more about whip holsters and other custom accessories at the Pro Shop!

 

 Having always been a multifaceted in his career endeavors, Gery also continues his other career interests right alongside his whip work. Gery has been a professional freelance journalist and writer for many years. His content has been featured in local, regional, and national publications and he currently serves as the Features & Special Sections Editor for the Times Community Newspapers, part of the Brown Publishing Company. Several of Gery's articles have focused on whip artistry.

 

As an independent writer, Gery has published more than 350 articles and is featured regularly in a number of regional and national publications. His article, Whips As Practical Weapons, was the basis for two martial arts studies and presentations for the Ohio Theatre Alliance in 2003 and 2007 and The Indie Gathering, an independent film conference in Cleveland each summer. Details about Gery's writing and business arts endeavors are available at his personal website: www.gerydeer.com.

 

Gery's personal time is spent with his wife Barbara and son Henry as well as his parents and siblings. He credits his success to the support of his family. He is an accomplished pianist, having performed around Ohio in restaurants, corporate events, weddings, and private events since he was 13 years old. Since 1995, he has managed and performed with his family band, The Brothers & Co. Entertainers as a lead pianist, singer, and songwriter. Since 1988, Gery has worked as a volunteer judge during the Ohio State Fair 4-H contests and events. He also works with various chamber organizations and service clubs throughout the year. (Photo above: You see a hint of things to come in this 1971 photo of Gery in his signature colors.)

Gery and fellow performer, James Karns, an award-winning classical magician, developed the variety performance titled “Whips & Wands.” The show is a tribute to the performers of the old Vaudeville days and the combination of whip hero Lash LaRue and his partner, magician John Calvert, who traveled the country in a combination act during the 1960s & 1970s.

Some of Gery's recent professional achievements...

2001-2002 President Business Network International - East Dayton Chapter

2007-2008 Educational Coordinator & Events Coordinator Business Network International - Greater Dayton Professionals Chapter

2008 Vice Chairman Xenia Young Professionals - Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce

2004 - Present Executive Educational Consultant Society of American Whip Artistry

2006-2008 Featured Writer - Cox Media Ohio Marketing Publications

2008 Features Editor / Commercial Publications Director Times Community Newspapers

 

Some of Gery's professional WHIP - related achievements...

1st Place Whip Speed & Accuracy 2008 Annie Oakley Western Arts Showcase Competitions

2007 Wild West Performer of the Year - International Knife Throwers Hall of Fame

2007 Judge - Double & Single Whip Style & Technique Contest Will Rogers International Wild West Expo

2nd Place Whip Speed & Accuracy 2005 Wild West Arts Club National Convention

2nd Place Whip Speed & Accuracy 2003 Wild West Arts Club Dallas Regional Convention

2nd Place Whip Speed & Accuracy 2002 Wild West Arts Club National Convention

2nd Place Whip Speed & Accuracy 2001 Wild West Arts Club National Convention

 

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