Worker series

Gouache painting series depicting folks who work full time but do not make a living wage. Eventually eight from the series will be reproduced in linoleum block using three colors. Linoblocks are being etched by Tyler Scouton and linoblock prints will be completed by Warrior Printress. All very exciting!!

https://carolynolson.net/workers/

Individual Artist Project Grant is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Collaboration Linoleum Block Project

Thrilled to announce a collaborative project with Tyler Scouton and Warrior Printress Letterpress & Design!

I am working on new series – gouache paintings and linoleum block cut prints – of workers who although work 40+ hours/week are still not making a living wage.

Thank you to the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council for their generous support.

“Friends in Blue” 7 1/2” x 10”. Gouache on paper.

https://carolynolson.net

Local Businesses and Places – New Series

With our return to public life, post 2020, its been a slow and careful process for me. Through this series I want to highlight local small businesses and places where shop owners and community have made it enjoyable and “safe” for me to visit.

“Family Outing” (Lizzard’s Gallery); “Coffee and Croissants” (Duluth’s Best Bread); “Lake Ave and Superior St./Lake Superior Fountain and Park”, Lake Superior Fountain by Ben Effinger; and “The Hair Cut” (Deep Cuts). All are 21″ x 29”, pastel on paper

Earth Day 2023

“Delivering Seedlings to Elders” 24″ x 40″ pastel on paper

Inspired by Fond du Lac Reservation’s Garden program, Gitigaan, supports food  sovereignty efforts and is rebuilding local food stores through community gardens and supporting band members with education, tools, equipment and labor to grow food.

Originally this pastel was drawn for the story “Pearl’s Garden”. As the storyline changed image remained relevant to me. The importance of growing our own food, supporting local growers and helping family will always be the best way to sustain our communities.

Whole Food Coop – Denfeld

Headed to a new home today! Whole Foods Coop – Denfeld has purchased this work for the community meeting room! Lizzard’s Art Gallery & Framing framed and helped with installation. Huge job! Beautiful framing as always!
I’ve always wanted to have my art in the Coop. Thrilled to see it headed there!
Community opening Feb 11, 4:00-5:00 PM. “Farmers Market” pastel on paper 4’x8’.

Eastside Freedom Library, Panel Discussion with Essential Workers, November 2022

Here is the link to the panel discussion discussion, https://youtu.be/kGbQoXCoyDs

I am forever changed by this group discussion by essential workers who worked through the early days (and continue to work) of the Covid-19 pandemic, not knowing what it would do to the body, to families and our community. Their first hand stories aren’t easy to hear but necessary to keep us on top of the many problems facing workers everywhere. It’s not over and won’t be for awhile.

We must continue to raise our voices to advocate for everyone’s health as well as worker’s rights. A strong union is our best voice for the worker (wages, working conditions, health care). Covid-19 (and all its variations) is real and precautions must be taken to protect ourselves.

Get vaccinated, wear masks and distance ourselves. Protect each other. Be kind.

Eastside Freedom Library Exhibition/Zoom Chat Honoring Workers

The East Side Freedom Library exhibits ESSENTIAL WORKERS, an exhibit of visual art honoring Minnesota’s working people by Carolyn Olson with online artist conversation between Carolyn Olson and Keith Christensen.

“The pandemic has provided an opportunity to reconsider our culture’s awareness—and our personal awareness—of the workers who provide the services and goods which we depend upon to make our lives sustainable. Some workers, long disregarded, have been labeled “essential” and have been given new attention. Some have even received hazard pay (for a time) and new respect. But some have also spoken out about feeling “sacrificial,” and some have protested and even struck over their working conditions.

New awareness does not emerge spontaneously. Carolyn Sue Olson’s work opens our hearts and our minds through our eyes. Her work has been informed by a lifetime of painting and teaching art, a lifetime of building connections to community, and her care for her own children. Her daughter has worked in a grocery store during the pandemic, and her son has been a teacher. “Essential workers,” they have felt that complex combination of fear, on the one hand, and new recognition, on the other. These contradictory dynamics infuse the representations of workers in Carolyn’s portraits with both dignity and vulnerability. Looking at her paintings we can feel the energy.”

Huge Studio Sale! August 20th, 11AM-4PM

Discounted price on art work created in last few years-including Essential Worker Portrait pastels and giclees, Swedish Princess Cake gouache, large murals and assorted smaller works in all media. Older oil on canvas as well!! Masks and vaccinations required.

236 W. Winona St. Duluth, MN
https://carolynolson.net

Essential Worker Portraits Book

Pleased to announce “Essential Worker Portraits” book is available
through Lizzard’s Art Gallery & Framing , Zenith Bookstore, AICHO Indigenous First Gift Shop and the Minnesota Historical Society Gift Shop
or email me email @  carolynsueolson@gmail.com
The book contains 100 pastels of essential workers
with a forward essay written by Peter Rachleff (Eastside Freedom Library).

Pastels were completed beginning in March 2020 through July 2021.
Books $40 (plus $5 shipping USA). Venmo or PayPal accepted.