Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2010.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2010.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2010.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2010.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2010.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2010.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail), 2008.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2005.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2005.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2005.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2005.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2005.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2005.

Artwork copyright Marge Dunlap. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail), 2008.

Build Your Rainbow, 1989-1990

Marge Dunlap
American (born 1935, died 1991)

Location: Bates Technical College - South Campus, Tacoma

About the Artwork

Aartist Marge Dunlap created the colorful archway Build Your Rainbow using enameled steel and ceramic elements. The columns of the arch feature colorful overlapping images of tools and materials used for learning. The triangular pediment that connects the columns displays nine ceramic portraits on each side. The figures each hold a different colored block. Students from Bates Technical College assisted the artist in the fabrication of different elements. The artist noted that the design references building blocks and the many trades, skills, and materials that go into building something. She stated, "The message is that one cannot simply wait but that one needs to equip oneself and build one's own rainbow."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bates Technical College.

About the Artist

Late artist Marge Dunlap (1935-1991) created paintings, ceramic sculptures, and large scale installations for public spaces. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. She studied painting in Spain and Greece, and studied ceramics at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in New York State. She lived and worked in Santa Barbara, California.