A multi-media artist inspired by the beauty of Washington’s nature.

Kenneth H. Olson was born January 21, 1930, in Mt. Vernon, New York. From a young age he found security in many forms of visual art. After receiving encouragement from a teacher, Ken attended Wilcox Technical Trade School for two years (1945 - 1947). There he gained his introduction to the skills and discipline of various medias including drawing, graphic design, lithography, and wood engraving. Ken took many odd jobs to finance his desire to be educated in the fine arts. However, he became discouraged with an education and joined the Navy in 1947 hoping to find a solution. In 1948, he was transferred to the Air Force where he began to realize the value of his artistic abilities.

While in the Air Force, Ken was stationed for two years in Spokane, WA and developed a strong feeling of closeness to the area’s environment and its beauty. After being discharged from the military he decided to settle in Spokane and attempt to become an accomplished artist. In 1953, Ken enrolled at Washington State University and studied for eight years under a strong fine arts faculty. His studies were under the tutorship of Wirth McCoy, Andrew Hoffmeister, Harold Balaz, Roland Peterson, Fletcher Martin and George Laisner.

After several years as a display artist, Ken went to work in the field of television as an art director and began to teaching fine art classes on a part-time basis. In 1963 he enrolled as a full-time student with Fort Wright College, Spokane Washington and received his BFA in 1966. Ken went on to participate in juried shows throughout the Pacific Northwest and show his work in galleries in Washington and Colorado. Ken made art until his passing in December of 2005.