Artwork copyright Mel Curtis. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Goat, Athens, Ohio, 1986

Mel Curtis
American (born 1954)

Location: Capitol Campus Child Care Center - Perry Street, Olympia

About the Artwork

The photograph Goat, Athens, Ohio was taken by Mel Curtis on his neighbor's property in 1986. He captured his subject with a whimsical, amusing expression, noting "the whirring noise of the camera seemed to pique his curiosity and caused him to stand still momentarily." This artwork is part of a curated collection by Renee Adams for the Maple Park Capitol Campus Child Care Center in Olympia. The art selection committee wanted the art to be mainly for the children. They wanted to focus on Northwest artists from diverse backgrounds and geographies, and artworks with color and nature-inspired imagery. The Child Care Center has six classrooms, as well as outdoor classrooms and play spaces, for eighty-four children.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Enterprise Services.

About the Artist

Mel Curtis is a Seattle-based photographer and teacher who creates fine-art and commercial photographs. Curtis states, "I strive to capture authentic moments in my work. I use the camera to create a sense of order and elegance".