Merwood "Woody" Olsen

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

[I am a] painter exhibiting in juried shows in the Midwest. [I am also a] Janesville Art League board member and curator of their permanent collection.

What was your major and how did you choose it?

Intermedia. I chose Intermedia, so that I could set up my own program and take other classes such as architecture through the University of Minnesota.

Did MCAD prepare you for life after graduation? In what way?

The experience prepared me for my future endeavors.

Your biggest takeaway from MCAD?

Studying and receiving an education from accomplished artists and educators.

What inspires you/your work?

Life. My abstract expressionist reaches into the unconscious minds of the viewers.

How do you network yourself and your art?

Facebook, Instagram, publicly, writing and exhibiting.

What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?

Very invigorating with MCAD, Mia, Walker Art Center, University of Minnesota galleries, dining, meeting a cross section of Minnesotans.

Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to share that wasn't addressed?

I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Claus Oldenburg at the IDS while he served in resident at MCAD in 1973 under the Visiting Artist Program.