Animal Cirque, 1994

Cheri O'Brien
(American, born 1958)

Location: Capitol Campus Child Care Center - Maple Park, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Cheri O'Brien attended a touring Cirque du Soleil show in Seattle in 1990. Her experience watching this theatrical circus group inspired her Animal Cirque painting. She notes, "From childhood on I've been fascinated with clowns and have drawn, painted, and sculpted them. I even considered applying to the Barnum and Bailey clown college in Florida. These particular clowns in the Cirque du Soleil are called Flounes, simple and curious clowns."

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 North Kitsap School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest artist Cheri O'Brien creates quirky and humorous narrative folk-compositions. She uses many different materials, including oil painting, paper-mache sculpture, and painted glass. In her own words, "My paintings are reflections of my life as an artist, mother, and observer. I attempt to understand my world with finding humor in beauty and the beauty of humor."

ARTWORK DETAILS
Material CategoryPainting - paint on fabric
MediumAcrylic paint on canvas
Dimensions42 5/16 in x 46 in x 1 in
ID NumberWSAC1994.061.000
Acquisition MethodDirect purchase
Artist LocationWashington, United States
Location Information
AgencyDepartment of Enterprise Services
Artwork LocationCapitol Campus Child Care Center - Maple Park
North hallway
WA CountyThurston
PlacementInterior
Site TypeState Agency
Address106 Maple Park Ave SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Geo. Coordinates47.034153, -122.900621
Before VisitingSome 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