Artwork copyright Melissa Madsen. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Oregon Grapes, 1990

Melissa Madsen
American (born 1960)

Location: Child Study and Treatment Center, Tacoma

About the Artwork

Oregon Grapes is a cheerful, colorful painting by artist Melissa Madsen. She embellished the dress worn by the bear figure using glass beads. She notes, "I use my experiences in the outdoors to give me my themes and story lines… I consider my paintings to be narrative and whimsical. I approach my work in a light-hearted way in an effort to project he joy one can feel when actively participating in an environment that is not destroyed."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Social and Health Services.

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.