At Home, 1992
D. Maxwell Helppie
(American, born 1926, died 2012)
Location: Ilalko Elementary School, Auburn
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
D. Maxwell Helppie's At Home painting is a playful composition of his pets. The color scheme symbolizes the power dynamics and interactions among the animals during the important ritual of feeding. Thinking about these relationships, Helppie notes "to me, the animals are beautiful and mysterious, and they occupy time and space with an energy of their own that is part of our universe."
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Auburn School District.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
The artworks of Dennis Maxwell Helppie (1926-2012) play freely between representation and abstraction. His art was influenced by the mysticism and culture of his Northern Finnish heritage. He noted: "To me, abstraction frees my creative abilities to continually explore new and different approaches to my work. It is very challenging and provides an avenue to stretch my imagination to its fullest."
Helppie grew up in the Detroit area. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps after high school from 1944 to 1947 and in the Army of Occupation in Germany. In 1951, he earned a Bachelors degree in art education with teaching credentials from Eastern Michigan University. In the 1950s, Helppie moved to Washington and taught arts and crafts at Lynnwood Junior High School and worked the afternoon shift at Boeing, where he was as an Inspector and Planner. In 1971, he earned a Master of Education degree in pyschology and counseling from the University of Washington in Seattle. He also taught business courses at Edmonds Community College for thirteen years. Helppie lived, worked, and made art in the Whidbey Island area for over thirty years.
ARTWORK DETAILS
Material Category | Painting - paint on fabric |
Medium | Acrylic paint on canvas |
Dimensions | 16 in x 20 in |
ID Number | WSAC1993.107.000 |
Acquisition Method | Direct purchase |
Artist Location | Washington, United States |
Location Information
Agency | Auburn School District |
Artwork Location | Ilalko Elementary School 200 wing |
WA County | King |
Placement | Interior |
Site Type | Public School |
Address | 301 Oravetz Place SE Auburn, WA 98092 |
Geo. Coordinates | 47.263994, -122.227704 |
Before Visiting | Some 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. |
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