Artwork copyright Melissa Madsen. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Blossoms in Space, 1994

Melissa Madsen
American (born 1960)

Location: Browne Elementary School, Spokane

About the Artwork

Blossoms in Space is a whimsical painting by artist Melissa Madsen. It depicts a flying pig, a cowboy cat, and a rooster on an adventure to plant an apple branch on an undiscovered planet. Living in the apple country of Eastern Washington, the artist was inspired by the story of Johnny Appleseed who introduced and shared apple trees acress the Eastern U.S. in the early 1800s.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Spokane Public Schools.

About the Artist

Artist and illustrator Melissa Madsen (formerly Melissa Bale) creates artworks inspired by local nature and celebrating childish wonder. Madsen grew up in western Montana where she developed a love for its “pristine wilderness.” She spent some of her career in Eastern Washington before moving back to Montana.