Artwork copyright Melissa Madsen. Photo courtesy of Harriet Thompson Elementary, 2024.
Artwork copyright Melissa Madsen. Photo courtesy of Harriet Thompson Elementary, 2024.
Untitled, 2003
Melissa Madsen
American (born 1960)
Location: Harriet Thompson Elementary, Grandview
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Melissa Madsen crafted seven paintings for the walls of Harriet Thompson Elementary School in Grandview, Central Washington. All of the paintings feature colorful depictions of bears, elephants, and other animals, with human clothing, traits and interests. The animals do farm work, play sports, hang out in a living room, play musical instruments, visit a nurse, read books, and more. She hopes the paintings will delight and inspire the students that encounter them.
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with .
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.
ARTWORK DETAILS
| Material Category | Work on paper - painting |
| Medium | Gouache paint and sequins on rag paper |
| Dimensions | 4 ft x 8 ft 4 in |
| ID Number | WSAC2002.011.001 |
| Acquisition Method | Site responsive commission |
| Artist Location | Montana, United States |
Location Information
| Agency | |
| Artwork Location | Harriet Thompson Elementary West entrance |
| WA County | Yakima |
| Placement | Interior |
| Site Type | Public School |
| Address | 1105 W 2nd Street Grandview, WA 98930 |
| Geo. Coordinates | 46.255858, -119.917167 |
| Before Visiting | Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access. |
| Map |
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