Artwork copyright Susan Aurand. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2020.
Artwork copyright Susan Aurand. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.
Artwork copyright Susan Aurand. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.
Artwork copyright Susan Aurand. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.
Artwork copyright Susan Aurand. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.
Artwork copyright Susan Aurand. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.
Artwork copyright Susan Aurand. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.
Artwork copyright Susan Aurand. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.
Artwork copyright Susan Aurand. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.
Artwork copyright Susan Aurand. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.
Water Means Life, 2020
Susan Aurand
(American, born 1950)
Location: Ancient Lakes Elementary School, Quincy
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Water Gifts is a series of five paintings by artist Susan Aurand. The artworks reflect the importance of water in the history and life of Quincy, in Central Washington. By visually bringing nature into the school, it is an invitation to students to appreciate how much life exists around them. It is also a challenge from the artist to learn more. Aurand notes: “Water is a good metaphor for learning. Education is waters for the mind, allowing new ideas and perspectives to grow and children to flourish.” Aurand did extensive research on the geology of the area, the town of Quincy, and the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project which began in the 1940s.
Water Means Life (part A) is about the variety of wildlife supported by the presence of water in the dry landscape around Quincy.
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Quincy School District.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Susan Aurand is a painter based in Olympia, Washington. She states that her work is "inspired by my passion for nature and my deep interest in symbols, metaphor, memory, and consciousness."
Aurand taught sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting, art history, and humanities at The Evergreen State College from 1974 to 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kalamazoo College, Michigan, in 1972 and a Master of Arts degree from Ohio State University in 1974.
ARTWORK DETAILS
| Medium | Acrylic paint and oil paint on panel and canvas |
| Dimensions | 6 ft 5 1/4 in x 5 ft 1 3/4 in x 12 in (dimensions variable) |
| ID Number | WSAC2019.016.00A |
| Acquisition Method | Site responsive commission |
| Artist Location | Washington, United States |
Location Information
| Agency | Quincy School District |
| Artwork Location | Ancient Lakes Elementary School Main entrance display case (Part A), Library south wall (Parts B, C), Library north wall (Parts D, E) |
| WA County | Grant |
| Placement | Interior |
| Site Type | Public School |
| Address | 417 C St. SE Quincy, WA 98848 |
| Geo. Coordinates | 47.235611, -119.845450 |
| 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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