Artwork copyright Gloria Crouse. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Artwork copyright Gloria Crouse. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Artwork copyright Gloria Crouse. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1985.

Artwork copyright Gloria Crouse. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Raz-Ma-Taz, 1982

Gloria Crouse
(American, born 1925, died 2011)

Location: Berney Elementary School, Walla Walla

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Raz-Ma-Taz is part of late artist Gloria Crouse's body of vibrant irregular-shaped rugs. The composition features a variety of different textures and patterns. This piece experiments with alternative materials and rug hooking techniques. Crouse noted, "I wanted to create a 'fun' piece… letting my imagination, the use of color and materials, have no limitations."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bellingham School District Voc-Tech Building (Bellingham Technical College).

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest fiber artist Gloria Crouse (1925-2011) created imaginative textiles and sculptures that explored color, texture and form. Evolving out of the craft of traditional rug-hooking, Crouse pursued innovative techniques and used unexpected materials to express each piece's conceptual content. She lived in Olympia and on Vashon Island, both in Western Washington.