Artwork copyright Melissa Madsen. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.
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Artwork copyright Melissa Madsen. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.
Thistle, 2002
Melissa Madsen
(American, born 1960)
Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Thistle and its companion painting Blossom and Bug were inspired by early botanical engravings. The two paintings celebrate the rich attention to detail and compositional simplicity of those artworks. Artist Melissa Madsen notes that these paintings "were an exercise in observing the smaller aspects of our creature world."
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Lake Washington School District.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Artist and illustrator Melissa Madsen (formerly Melissa Bale) creates artworks inspired by local nature and celebrating childish wonder. Madsen grew up in western Montana where she developed a love for its “pristine wilderness.” She spent some of her career in Eastern Washington before moving back to Montana.
ARTWORK DETAILS
| Material Category | Painting - paint on rigid surface / mixed media |
| Medium | Gouache paint and acrylic paint |
| Dimensions | 7 1/2 in x 7 in (overall) |
| ID Number | WSAC2002.105.000 |
| Acquisition Method | Direct purchase |
| Artist Location | Montana, United States |
Location Information
| Agency | Washington State Arts Commission |
| Artwork Location | Washington State Arts Commission Not on display. At ArtsWA pending conservation, framing, re-siting, or return to site. |
| WA County | Thurston |
| Placement | Interior |
| Site Type | State Agency |
| Address | 711 Capitol Way S., Suite 600 Olympia, WA 98504 |
| Geo. Coordinates | 47.041975, -122.901474 |
| Before Visiting | Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access. |
| Map |
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