Central Alum Receives Distinguished Honor From Governor

December 28, 2007

"I'm quite stunned by it," says Elliott, who explains the award goes to a variety of people and organizations within the art world, including working artists like himself. Past recipients include Richard Gilkey, Dale Chihuly, Mark Toby and the Tacoma Art Museum just to name a few. According to Elliott, "This award is the basis for Northwest art. I couldn't be in better company."

Known for an artistic style that utilizes light, color and radiant geometric patterns, Elliott's primary medium is industrial grade reflectors. Both Elliott and his wife, Jane Orleman, also a Central grad, are artists. Their creativity is constantly on display for everyone to enjoy at Dick and Jane's Spot, their much decorated home on Pearl Street in Ellensburg. Their home exhibits their own creations along with an ever-changing array of dozens of other artists' works and constructed installations.

In a letter to the governor to nominate Elliott for this award, Chris Bruce, director of the Museum of Art at Washington State University, writes, "I consider him [Elliott] to be one of the great innovators in the history of Northwest art-and one of the most accomplished yet under-recognized artists in America."

Bruce describes the wonder of Elliott's work as "coming from a mundane, chance encounter the artist had with a reflector on a rural road at night to an entire system of visual experiences with an unprecedented potential and capacity to amaze and delight."

"His ability to fuse non-Western cultural patterning with 20th century material does much more than cross cultural boundaries," Bruce explains. "Elliott's work actually returns the viewer to a form of primitive experience-a palpable sense of unexplainable wonder in the world, where perception is beyond rational description, and which has the feel of magic."

Both Elliott and his wife received degrees in art from CWU in 1971. In 2000, Elliott was named Distinguished Alumni of Central's College of Arts & Humanities. His work is included in a number of collections including the State Arts Collection, Oregon Arts Commission, Henry Art Gallery and many others.

"Dick Elliott's creative use of color and geometric patterns inspires awe and wonder in public places throughout the state and beyond," says Marji Morgan, dean of Central's College of Arts and Humanities. "It is fitting that the governor and state of Washington honor him with this prestigious award."

Elliott will receive an original piece of artwork and a certificate at a ceremony to be held at the governor's mansion in Olympia in January.

Awarded biennially, the Governor's Arts Award is among the most prestigious honors bestowed in our state. Since 1966, more than 145 individuals, artists and organizations have received the distinguished award. Another Central grad and former CWU art professor, Carol Hassen, won the award in 2001. Hassen currently serves on the CWU College of Arts and Humanities Advisory Board.

Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, 509-963-1416, olint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.