In Remembrance 2023

Remembering the artists in Washington's State Art Collection who left us in 2023.

In celebration of their lives and their dedication to art, we present selected artworks by these artists, in Washington's State Art Collection. To learn more about the artists and their artworks, click on any of the names or images.

Alfredo Arreguín (1935-2023) created lush, elaborate, colorful paintings that feature plants and animals. They are often covered with extremely detailed layers of patterns that are “lace-like screens.” He noted, "The magic of the jungle has had a strong influence on my work." Arreguín was born in Mexico and emigrated to the United States to attend the University of Washington. He developed as an artist in Seattle, where he lived since 1956.

Phillip Baldwin (1953-2023) was a Washington-based metal artist and craftsman. Many of his sculptures were created using the Japanese "Mokume Gane" technique. He notes, “The use of decorative laminated metals is still in its infancy and I find this a heartening thought. It means that the world of mokume will always be fresh, new and fun.” He lived and worked near Snohomish in Northwestern Washington.

Ric Gendron (Arrow Lakes, 1954-2023) created figurative paintings that blend Native American imagery with pop culture, in bold colors. In his own words: "Nobody was painting the Indian the way the Indian actually lived, reservation life and things that go on in Indian culture.”

Robert Irwin (1928-2023) created site-specific installations and landscape projects that pushed the boundaries of art and perception. He described his work as “conditional,” not only altering the environment, but also leaving space for the environment to alter the experience of the art. He was based in San Diego, California.

Heidi Oberheide's (1943-2023) work explored color relationships, elemental forms, and the intersections between humans and nature. Oberheide was inspired by the open spaces, unique vegetation, desert, canyons, and mountains of the American West and Eastern Washington where she lived. In 1972, she co-founded St. Michael's Printshop in Newfoundland, Canada.

Margaret Ahrens Sahlstrand (1939-2023) created paper relief artworks with handmade papers and organic objects and clothing. In 1965, she moved to Ellensburg to join the Art Department at Central Washington State College, where she lived for the rest of her life and is Professor Emeritus. She influenced several generations of students teaching papermaking and printmaking.

Gail Tremblay (1945-2023) was a non-Native artist and writer. She created multimedia artworks, installations, critical writing, and poetry. Tremblay was also an influential teacher and advocated for diversity and gender equality. She was a professor at The Evergreen State College in Olympia from 1980 to 2016.

Read Less