Artwork copyright Kelly Lyles. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Gerbitol, 1998

Kelly Lyles
American (born 1957)

Location: Tonasket High School, Tonasket

About the Artwork

Gerbitol is the second from a series of humorous pun-inspired paintings of rodents by artist Kelly L. Lyles. This piece depicts a gerbil balancing on a bottle of Geritol vitamins. Lyles states that the creation of this series provided an outlet for her sense of humor, and remind us that "laughter is a universal language that breaks down barriers and heals the spirit."

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

About the Artist

Seattle-based artist Kelly Lyles paints, wears, and drives her art. She is well-known for her wildly themed "art cars" that are elaborately decorated with found objects and images. She creates her still-life and figurative paintings in a realistic style, and they often highlight humorous and witty stories.