Artist of the Month - Dorothy (Harwood) Olson

Dorothy (Harwood) Olson grew up on the prairie of Western South Dakota near Haydraw. She attended a one-room country school. She graduated from Sturgis High School and attended Black Hills State University after which she taught rural schools for several years. In growing up on a ranch she loved farm animals, wildlife, and the countryside. Often while walking the prairie and breaks, she dreamed of painting the animals, clouds, and scenery.

For the past 30 hers she has pursued her dreams of painting. The love of he prairie and the beautiful South Dakota skies are her favorite subjects to paint. Dorothy has attended many workshops, which have been an inspiration over the years. Most of her paintings are painted from photos she has taken.

Dorothy's original paintings are currently on display in 28 states and two foreign countries. One of Dorothy's paintings of a windmill and cloud hung in Gov. Walter Dale Miller's office at the capitol and is now on display in the Wall Drug's collection. She has had paintings on the cover of the South Dakota Magazine. A portrait painting is on the cover of the book "Hank Sez" by Lawrence Burke. Over the years she has had many commissioned paintings. In 1989, Dorothy participated in the many galleries and summer festivals, such as the Arts in the Park in Spearfish.