March 2008 Featured Exhibition Thomas A. Olson

Upon completion of his military service in the early 60's, Mr. Olson returned to Minneapolis where he worked in advertising and graphic arts for ten years. During this period he exhibited his work widely in numerous Midwest art shows, winning the National Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) Watercolor Competition in 1967 and was an award winner in the National Industrial House Organ Graphic Competition. He was an active member of Association of Professional Artists (APA) in the Midwest.      After settling in the Seattle area in 1970, Thomas A. Olson exhibited and received awards in various local and regional art shows, including "The Changing Scene in Washington" exhibit at the Seattle Museum of History and Industry, the Puget Sound County Exhibition sponsored by West Coast Paper Company, the Bellevue Art Museum Annual Exhibition of Northwest Watercolors, the Puget Sound Area Exhibition annuals at the Frye Art Museum, and local art festivals including "Best Nautical Scene" and "Public Choice" awards, and others at the Edmonds Art Festival.
At the Annual North Kitsap Arts and Crafts Show in Poulsbo, Mr. Olson has been awarded "1st Place" and "Best of Show" in the Professional Painting Division. He has shown in many regional galleries and has had several one-man shows. He served as juror for various local and regional art shows, including the annual Spring Exhibition at the State Capitol Museum in Olympia. Thomas A. Olson was an active exhibitor in many of the invitational group shows in the area, and was a member of Gallery North, Artist's Gallery Northwest, Northwest Watercolor Society, The Seattle League of Arts, and Artist's Equity Association.      He will be truly missed.
See photos from the artist's reception...