Carol Hassen: A Retrospective Exhibition

Larson Gallery hosts “A Retrospective Exhibition: I’m Still Dancing as Fast as I Can,” showcasing a selection of paintings, drawings, and collages created since Carol Hassen received her MFA in 1983.

The exhibit opens with a reception on January 8 from 2 to 5 pm in Larson Gallery, 16th and Nob Hill.

Carol Hassen’s graduate thesis show titled “I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can” echoed her artwork and her life. She was a full time graduate student, half-time faculty professor, homeowner and single parent with two children.

Her artwork produced for the thesis show reflected her fascination with movement, light and metaphor. It expressed much of the emotion that she felt at the time.

After 23 years, including 16 years as Director of Larson Gallery, life in the fast lane still creates challenges to maintaining an artistic career. Hassen says, “My work is about memory, travel, emotions, and responses. I use color to express my emotional response to these experiences, which can often give a magical quality to the work. Hopefully, my artwork will trigger an emotional response to each viewer that is independent of my memory.”

Growing up on the move (13 schools in 12 years) gave Hassen a chance to experience many homes, friends and locations. Always observing the world from the back seat of an old car gave her a perspective that she appreciates more as an adult. She was 30 years old before she actually started taking art classes and began her love affair with the visual arts. After completing a BFA from Oregon State University and a MFA from Central Washington University, Hassen taught at CWU for 10 years before coming to Yakima.

As Director for the Larson Gallery and involvement in various art education venues, she has received many awards. In 2001, she received the Governor’s Arts Award, presented by Governor Gary Locke, for her role as a visual artist, art educator, and gallery director.

She received this distinguished award because of her strong advocacy for all art forms and the impact she has had on the community. She received Washington Museum Association’s Award for Publication Excellence for Art~Link: Teacher’s Travel Guide, co-authored with David Lynx in 2004.

Hassen received a Kennedy Center Award in 1992 for the publication, ArtsVan: Resource & Curriculum Guide. She has also been a recipient of many awards in national and northwest juried exhibitions and her work is included in many private collections.

Partnership

The partnership between Yakima Valley College and the Larson Gallery Guild creates an environment where ideas flourish.

The Larson Gallery Guild supports the mission of the Larson Gallery to foster curiosity and appreciation for the visual arts in our diverse community.

Your financial donations fund Larson Gallery Guild programming which includes staffing, publications and materials, special events, lectures, workshops, visiting artists, and jurors.

Yakima Valley College supports the Larson Gallery through the maintenance of the building, providing the director’s salary and benefits, technology, security, and work-study students.

Hours

During Exhibitions:
Tuesday – Friday 10 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday 12 PM-5:00 PM
(note that this schedule varies during opening reception days)

Mission

Fostering curiosity and appreciation for the visual arts in our diverse community.

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Vision

Cultivating a Love of Art