Artwork copyright Heidi Oberheide. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

Artwork copyright Heidi Oberheide. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Reaching for the Sun, 1987

Heidi Oberheide
(Canadian, born 1943, died 2023)

Location: Ridgeview Elementary, Yakima

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Heidi Oberheide's Reaching for the Sun is an impressionistic painting filled with dream-like imagery. It explores color relationships and elemental forms. Oberheide is also interested in the intersections between humans and nature.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Yakima School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Eastern Washington artist Heidi Oberheide's (1943-2023) work explores color relationships and elemental forms. Oberheide is inspired by the open spaces, unique vegetation, desert, canyons, and mountains of the West. She is also interested in the intersections between humans and nature.

Oberheide was born in Germany. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1969 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in drawing and printmaking in 1971, both from Southern Illinois University. In 1972, she co-founded St. Michael's Printshop in Newfoundland, Canada. She has lived and worked in Eastern Washington since 1983.