Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Setting the Fish Free, 2007

Cheri O'Brien
American (born 1958)

Location: North Hill Elementary, Des Moines

About the Artwork

Artist Cheri O'Brien's Setting the Fish Free was inspired by a large fish tank located at North Hill Elementary School which she thought was a wonderful hands-on learning experience for the children. Her goal was to bring a larger picture of the nearby marina and sea creatures of Puget Sound into the school. She also wanted to show the life cycle of salmon, from fry to sea-going fish.

O'Brien worked with fused glass and a method of glass painting called "grisaille" where trace lines are painted on the glass with a black glass-powder paint solution and then fired in a kiln to make them permanent. Grisaille has existed since medieval times (approximately 450-1450) and is what you often see in stained glass windows in churches.

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

About the Artist

Northwest artist Cheri O'Brien creates quirky and humorous narrative folk-compositions. She uses many different materials, including oil painting, paper-mache sculpture, and painted glass. In her own words, "My paintings are reflections of my life as an artist, mother, and observer. I attempt to understand my world with finding humor in beauty and the beauty of humor."