Artwork copyright Cheri O'Brien. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1998.

Shooting Star over Second Mesa, 1994

Cheri O'Brien
American (born 1958)

Location: Franklin Elementary School, Tacoma

About the Artwork

Shooting Star over Second Mesa is a painting by artist Cheri O'Brien. It is inspired by the artist’s trip through the American Southwest with her husband and daughters. The scene shows her family stargazing while camping in Arizona. She notes, “My paintings are reflections of my life as an artist, mother and observer.”

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

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."