Artwork copyright Melissa Madsen. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Melissa Madsen. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Melissa Madsen. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Dream Time, 1986

Melissa Madsen
American (born 1960)

Location: Ridgeview Elementary, Yakima

About the Artwork

Dream Time is a print created by artist Melissa Madsen. She accentuated the colorful composition with beads. She based the whimsical imagery on her experience travelling in Australia. She notes, "I was most impressed by the rich visual heritage of the Aborigines. Their drawings and artifacts are significant in the conveyance of life cycles and spirituality."

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

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.