Earth’s Designs, 1990

D. Maxwell Helppie
(American, born 1926, died 2012)

Location: Dayton Elementary School, Dayton

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Earth’s Designs is a colorful abstract painting by Maxwell Helppie. He painted this artwork over the period of six months, and noted, "It represents a great deal of thought about earth, nature, environment and my feelings about our earth. I have tried to capture the almost random geometry of our earth."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

The artworks of Dennis Maxwell Helppie (1926-2012) play freely between representation and abstraction. His art was influenced by the mysticism and culture of his Northern Finnish heritage. He noted: "To me, abstraction frees my creative abilities to continually explore new and different approaches to my work. It is very challenging and provides an avenue to stretch my imagination to its fullest."

Helppie grew up in the Detroit area. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps after high school from 1944 to 1947 and in the Army of Occupation in Germany. In 1951, he earned a Bachelors degree in art education with teaching credentials from Eastern Michigan University. In the 1950s, Helppie moved to Washington and taught arts and crafts at Lynnwood Junior High School and worked the afternoon shift at Boeing, where he was as an Inspector and Planner. In 1971, he earned a Master of Education degree in pyschology and counseling from the University of Washington in Seattle. He also taught business courses at Edmonds Community College for thirteen years. Helppie lived, worked, and made art in the Whidbey Island area for over thirty years.

ARTWORK DETAILS
Material CategoryPainting - paint on fabric
MediumAcrylic paint on canvas
Dimensions23 5/8 in x 36 5/8 in (overall)
ID NumberWSAC1991.159.000
Acquisition MethodDirect purchase
Artist LocationWashington, United States
Location Information
AgencyDayton School District
Artwork LocationDayton Elementary School
Main entrance, West wall, Past 2nd doors
WA CountyColumbia
PlacementInterior
Site TypePublic School
Address302 E Park Street
Dayton, WA 99328
Geo. Coordinates46.317238, -117.975615
Before VisitingSome artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access.
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