Art Chowder September | October, Issue 23 | Page 69

REGIONAL REPORT
SPOKANE VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL
Artist Margaret Graziano
In 2013 the award was given to
Margaret Graziano. Margaret
received her art training at the Liceo
Artistico Beato Angelico in Milan,
Italy. She studied there and privately
in Italy for five years. Her training
includes drawing, painting, sculpting
and architecture. Today her work
bears the imprint of this diversified
training. Her subject matter is very
eclectic. Her oils include landscapes,
still life, figure and portraits. Her
bronzes are of Native Americans.
Her work has been represented in
galleries throughout the West. She
has participated in shows such as
the C.M. Russell Art Show, the Oil
Painters of America, the Montana
Professional Artists Association
Show, Women Artists of the West,
the Calgary Stampede Art Auction
and the Greeley Stampede Art
Auction.
In 2014 the award was given to Linda Besse. Linda has been a full-time artist since 1999. Her original oil paintings have
garnered numerous awards with the latest being Best in Show – 2D at the 2014 NatureWorks show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Linda’s
body of work was recognized as she received the distinguished 2014 Safari Club International Foundation Conservation Artist of
the Year award. Her work is found in homes, offices, and collections on four continents.
In 2015 the award was given to Jerri Shrader. Jerri is from Ocean Shores, Washington where she has Sleeping Bear Studio. Her
award-winning pastels can be found in prominent collections throughout the U.S. including a commission in 1974 by the John
Wayne family, as well as the Bob Hope Estate and the University of Washington. Her original portrait of Norah Berg is featured
on the cover of Berg’s published book entitled “Lady on the Beach.”
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