About

Experiences and  observations inspire my work. Often the inspirations are processed with intellect tempered by subconscious elements that surface and intercede. The result is never totally predictable; each new work feels fresh, offering a step in a new direction. This explains why I continue with the creative adventure, never really knowing what will evolve.

Christine Olson / crissirc@comcast.netChristine in Paris
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (identical twin)
Education: Master of Fine Arts in painting and printmaking, University of Wyoming, Laramie
Bachelor of Science in Art Education, University of Wisconsin, River Falls
Teaching Experience: Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University (Michigan) until recently. Formerly: Grand Valley State University (Michigan), University of Wyoming; Milwaukee Public Schools, Francis Parkman Junior High School (Wisconsin)
Community Art Education includes “Composition” class for adults at Fountain Street Church, painting classes for seniors at Pilgrim Manor, paper marbling classes for children at the Kentwood Public Library, “Art Mobile” at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, “Pioneer Days” (crafts classes) at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
Volunteer service as a Docent at the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Other Experience:
Served as Executive Director of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan with administrative responsibilities, and program coordination and promotion:
-Lecture programs and a monthly discussion of global issues that aired on West Michigan Public Television.
-Organized and led a tour to the People’s Republic of China
Service on the Board of the National Council of World Affairs Organizations.
Selected to participate in study tours through the National Council of World Affairs
Organizations to: Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, China, Belgium and Italy.
Director/Coordinator of the US-Japan Seminars, Western Michigan University and later Grand Valley State University, and the Tokyo based Association for the Promotion of International Cooperation. (High School and college students discussing global issues).

EXHIBITIONS

National and International:
– 23rd National Exhibition of Prints, cosponsored by the Library of Congress and the National Collection of Fine Arts, Smithsonian Institution; Washington, D.C.
– “The Look of Wood” an invitational print exchange exhibition featuring woodcut and other print media, three venues: Ginza, Towa Gallery, Tokyo, Japan, 2003; Traditional Art and Craft Museum, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, Little Cities Gallery, Kalamazoo, Michigan
– 23rd Annual National Print Exhibition at Artlink, Fort Wayne, Indiana
– Urban Institute for Contemporary Art’s National Exhibition celebrating its 25th anniversary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
– ArtPrize, Grand Rapids, Michigan
– Venable-Neslage Gallery, Invitational Exhibit Washington, D.C.
Other Exhibitions:
– Second Annual Seven State Competition, University of Wisconsin; Platteville, (award)
– South Dakota Arts and Crafts Exhibition
– Wyoming State Competition, Casper, Wyoming
– “Indigenous Image”, Invitational, Nicolaysen Museum of Art, Wyoming
– Alumni Exhibit, University of Wisconsin, River Falls

Michigan Exhibitions:
– “Mona Lisa Project Revisited” conceived and implemented the exhibit in which twenty women created self portraits as Mona Lisa, Fountain Street Church
– “Beyond Mona Lisa” – each artist again exhibits her self portrait plus three additional works, Frames Unlimited
– Grand Rapids Art Museum “Cover the Bases” Exhibits
– “Influence: a Tribute to Georgia O’Keeffe” invitational, Van Singel Fine Arts Center
– Grand Valley Artists Exhibit, 2002, Best of Show award
– “Contemporary Icon” Holland Area Arts Council,
– “Pairs, Puns and Palindromes” One Woman Exhibit, Fountain Street Church
– “Times Two” Terry Berry Gallery at St Cecelia Music Society, Grand Rapids
– Kendall College of Art & Design Faculty Exhibits
– One Woman Exhibit, Huntington Bank, Lowell
– Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, “Strength of Community…Women Make a
Difference”, Invitational Sponsored by Michigan Trails Girl Scout Council
– Michigan Artists’ Print Competition, Lansing
– One Woman Exhibit, Van Singel Fine Arts Center
– Gallery 28, 2 Woman Exhibit, Grand Rapids
– Gallery Luisa, Invitational Exhibit, Grand Rapids
– “Regional” Exhibitions: Muskegon Museum of Art, Holland Area Arts Council, Lowell Area Arts Council, “Festival” Grand Rapids, First Methodist Church “Celebration”, Grand Rapids
– DeWitt Cultural Center, Fine Arts Exhibit, Holland
– Grand Rapids Art Museum, Sales/Rental Gallery, 2 Woman Exhibit

INSTITUTION AND CORPORATE COLLECTIONS
– Association for Promotion of International Co-operation, Tokyo, Japan
– Japan’s Official Development Assistance Office, Washington, D.C.
– United States Department of State, Art Bank, Washington, D.C.
– University of Wyoming, Laramie
– University of Wisconsin, River Falls
– In Grand Rapids:The Grand Rapids Press, Rospatch, Smith’s Industries, The Children’s Assessment Center