Artwork copyright Ruza Erceg. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Ruza Erceg. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Ruza Erceg. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Sunset, Date unknown

Ruza Erceg
(American, born 1898, died 1993)

Location: Pioneer Elementary School, Shelton

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Ruza Erceg created the vibrant painting Sunset . It is one of nearly 300 paintings that imaginatively recall her memories of life in Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) in Europe. She based most of these paintings on her birthplace, the small village of Kamenmost.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Ruza Erceg (1898-1993) painted colorful, rural scenes based on memories of her homeland in Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) in Europe.

Erceg was born in Yugoslavia and immigrated to the United States in 1922. After settling in Oregon and raising nine children, she began painting in 1961 when she told her daughter "If I have paint brush, I start to make painting." Her graphic designer son bought her painting supplies the same day. She continually experimented and expanded on her technique, and painted into her nineties.