Artwork copyright Megan Martens-Haworth. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Megan Martens-Haworth. Photo courtesy of the curator, Cozette Phillips, 2021.

Artwork copyright Megan Martens-Haworth. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.

Artwork copyright Megan Martens-Haworth. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.

Pegasus Dreams, 2018

Megan Martens-Haworth
(American, born 1975)

Location: Ridgeview Elementary, Yakima

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

In Pegasus Dreams artist Megan Martens-Haworth tries to create “the feeling of a peaceful dream with a little magic, a sense of quiet, and a bit of an escape from this world.” The painting is inspired by the stillness and the contemplative spaces in the artworks of Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009). It is also inspired by the indigo blues and other dark colors that create a quiet mood in the “nocturnes” (night scenes) by James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903).

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Cozette Phillips in April 2021 at Ridgeview Elementary, in Yakima, Central Washington. Phillips worked with the local art selection committee, who wanted art that reflects their farming communities, their relationship with nature, and the largely Hispanic student body. The artworks are soothing and peaceful for a community that works hard.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Megan Martens-Haworth creates figurative paintings that explore narrative themes. She notes, “My work is often quite introspective and grapples with the issues that are forefront in my mind. Part of my work always has its foot in my personal narratives, like growing up ranching in Wyoming and loving animals my entire life, other parts of it grapple with womanhood, and my place in the history of art.”
Martens-Haworth teaches art at Spokane Falls Community College in Eastern Washington and lives in Spokane. She earned an Associate degree from Northwest College, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Washington State University in Pullman.