Artwork copyright Marita Dingus. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Marita Dingus. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017 (detail).

Artwork copyright Marita Dingus. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Silver Quilt, 1996

Marita Dingus
(American, born 1956)

Location: Narrows View Intermediate, University Place

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Silver Quilt is part of artist Marita Dingus' body of sculptures created using recycled and discarded materials. Inspired by traditional African art, the artist notes, "the art that came from the rural and sometimes urban environments along the west coast and central part of Africa are my source of reference. My art keeps alive ancient traditions before us. My art is also connected to the healing forces in nature which is often the domain of our ancestors."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest artist Marita Dingus is an African American feminist and environmental artist. She is a mixed media sculptor who uses discarded and recycled materials. In her own words, “My approach to producing art is environmentally and politically infused: neither waste humanity nor the gifts of nature . . . The discarded materials represent how people of African descent were used during the institution of slavery and colonialism then discarded, but who found ways to repurpose themselves and thrive in a hostile world.”

Dingus received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and both a Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts from San Jose State University in California. She grew up in Auburn, Western Washington, and still lives and works there. She received the 2018 Twining Humber Award for lifetime artistic achievement.