GRETCHEN OLBERDING

Nature, in different seasons and colors, has always been Gretchen’s muse.  Drawing on over 3,000 personal photos from hikes and travels from Nebraska, Colorado, Utah and Arizona— and painting many on-site (plein aire), Gretchen has occasionally created award winning pastel landscapes. 

A Signature member of the Arizona Pastel Artists’ Association. Sonoran Art League in Phoenix, Wickenburg Art Club, and Lincoln Artists Guild, she has competed in many juried state and national competitions.  Her favorite award was receiving a 2nd Place at the prestigious Scottsdale Artists’ School, “Best & Brightest” show, 2018.

Returning to Nebraska after twelve years in Arizona, she is now excited about capturing the majesty of Cottonwood trees and prairie trails.

RECENT HONORS & AWARDS:
* Arizona Art Alliance Juried Member Show, First Place in Jewelry Category, 2013.
* WHAM Member Show, "Seasons & Holidays", 2016 - 2nd Place, overall.
* WHAM Gallery Show, "I'm Feeling Blue", 2015 - Award of Merit.
* Arizona Pastel Artists Association Fall Show, 2015 - Honorable Mention, Judge Desmond O'Hagan.
* Arizona Pastel Artists Association Fall Show, 2013 - Honorable Mention, Judge Robert Carsten.

RECENT JURIED EXHIBITIONS:
* Desert Museum Show, Tucson, AZ Jan - April, 2017.
* Sonoran Small Works Show, Cave Creek, December, 2016
* Arizona Pastel Artists Association Spring Show, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.
* Arizona Pastel Artists Association Fall Show - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.
* Surprise AZ Invitational, West Valley Arts HQ, Nov - Dec. 2015.
* Arizona Watercolor Association, Fall, 2015, Member Exhibition.
* West Valley Arts Council, "Animals, Animals" Juried Exhibition, Jan - Feb, 2014.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
Gallery 9, Lincoln, Nebraska, Juried Member, 2016.
Arizona Pastel Artists Association, 2011 to present. Membership Chm & Treasurer.
Arizona Watercolor Association, 2015 - present
Arizona Art Alliance - Juried member (Jewelry) 2010-2013.
WHAM (What's Happening Art Movement), Surprise, Arizona, 2013 - present
West Valley Arts Council, Surprise, Arizona, 2013 to present
President, PebbleCreek Art Club, Goodyear, Arizona, 2013, 2014
Nebraska Association of Art Clubs, 1995 - 2006. Board Member, 1998.