Artwork copyright Marilyn Lysohir. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Marilyn Lysohir. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1984.

Artwork copyright Marilyn Lysohir. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1984 (detail).

Artwork copyright Marilyn Lysohir. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1984 (detail).

The Evening Gown, 1984

Marilyn Lysohir
(American, born 1950)

Location: Ordway Elementary School, Bainbridge Island

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Marilyn Lysohir created The Evening Gown for Ordway Elementary School. This figurative ceramic sculpture is a portrait of Elizabeth "Lizzie" Ordway. The school takes its name from this inspiring early settler and historic Bainbridge Island teacher. In 1864, Lizzie left her home in Lowell, Massachusetts and settled in Washington Territory. She became the first public school teacher in Seattle, and was a founding member of the Seattle Female Suffrage Society. After teaching in Port Madison and on Bainbridge Island for many years, in 1881 she became the first superintendent of Kitsap County schools in southern Puget Sound.

Ordway Elementary takes pride in their name. They state, "Miss Ordway dedicated her life to the education of young people and was a significant figure in the development of public education in the local area. We are proud to have her name on our school. Our goal is to provide educational opportunities to our students today with the enthusiasm and professional care exhibited by our namesake."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bainbridge Island School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Moscow, Idaho-based artist Marilyn Lysohir creates ceramic sculptures and narrative installations.
Lysohir studied at the Centro Internazionale Di Studi in Verona, Italy before she received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Northern University in 1972. She then received a Master of Fine Arts degree at Washington State University in Pullman, Eastern Washington. She has served as a visiting professor at many institutions including University of Idaho at Moscow, Washingto State University, Kansas City Art Institute, Ohio State University, and the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, in New York State.