Artwork copyright Melissa Madsen. Photo courtesy of the artist.

The Unknown Woman, 1988

Melissa Madsen
(American, born 1960)

Location: Capitol Campus Child Care Center - Perry Street, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Melissa Madsen created the whimsical painted collage The Unknown Woman as a celebration of the simple things we do daily, such as waiting at the bus stop reading a book. The artist notes that the house shape is a common format for her artworks, and symbolizes a familiar, relatable environment.

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Renee Adams for the Maple Park Capitol Campus Child Care Center in Olympia. The art selection committee wanted the art to be mainly for the children. They wanted to focus on Northwest artists from diverse backgrounds and geographies, and artworks with color and nature-inspired imagery. The Child Care Center has six classrooms, as well as outdoor classrooms and play spaces, for eighty-four children.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of General Administration.

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.