Artwork copyright Jo Fyfe. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Dancing Spirits, 2001

Jo Fyfe
American (born 1941)

Location: Rochester Middle School, Rochester

About the Artwork

Dancing Spirits is part of a body of paintings by artist Jo Fyfe that feature a central image of a circle. These works also share imagery inspired by Native American culture and traditions. The circle represents unity, the many directions that life can take, and the connection between past, present and future. The artist reflected on how viewers may experience this painting. She notes, “Perhaps people will begin to look inward and realize that they are only a very small part of the universe and be encouraged to think and make decisions that will save the birds, animals, peoples, environment and natural resources beyond their own generation.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Rochester School District.

About the Artist

Born in Omak, Northeastern Washington, non-Native artist Jo Fyfe's artworks are influenced by the heritage of Native American cultures of the interior Pacific Northwest. She earned a Master in Fine Arts degree from Washington State University in Pullman, Eastern Washington, and taught art for many years at Spokane Falls Community College. She is based in Spokane, Eastern Washington.