NEWS RELEASE                         Nov. 09, 2012

Works by a print-making teacher and a student
now on display in the Office of Lt. Governor

The latest display of art work in the Office of the Lt. Governor is a collection of linoleum cut block prints by Mimi Williams of Olympia.

"Jack's Story" is one of 13 linoleum cut block prints by Mimi Williams of Olympia now on display in the Office of Lt. Governor.

Williams' collection of 13 prints includes scenes from water, sky and farm. There are also conversation starters such as a piece called “Stolen Moments” featuring a woman reading a book while a big stack of dishes awaits her attention, or “A Cup of Joe to Go” depicting bicycle wheel by a coffee counter with a partial view of two customers standing behind.

“Much of my work is narrative, yet open to many interpretations by the viewer,” she said. “Also, my work is influenced by living in the Pacific Northwest.”

When not doing her artistry, Williams teaches third grade at Pioneer Elementary School in Olympia.

“Life is still unfolding for the children and I get to witness that each day,” she said. “I work in a studio that has a view of a Northwest woods filled with birds. My family loves my art, but is fearful that their stories could possibly become a linoleum block print!”

Williams’ work will be featured through December. Examples and more information about the artist can be found on her web site. 

Lt. Governor Owen presents artist and Hood Canal School student Cody Mehl, center, with a certificate of appreciation for his drawing of "Billiards Player." At right is his teacher, Rob Kamin. (Photo by Steve Herppich/Legislative Support Services).

 A painting by a second artist, 14-year-old Cody Mehl who attends Hood Canal School in Skokomish, is also on display. His drew his piece, “Billiards Player,” while taking part in his school’s after-hours drawing program.  The work is a finished copy of a charcoal drawing by the 19^th century American Artist George Bellows.  Lt. Governor Brad Owen met the artist last spring while helping to judge a local art show and invited the teen to display his work in his office in the Legislative Building. Cody was presented with a certificate of appreciation when he visited the office on Nov. 8, and also received a personal tour of the Capitol by the lieutenant governor.

The work of both is being displayed through the auspices of the Lt. Governor’s Art Council. Chaired by Linda Owen, wife of the lieutenant governor, the council selects Washington artists for its displays and changes the selections quarterly.

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located in Room 220 of the Legislative Building (State Capitol), 416 Sid Snyder Avenue S.W. in Olympia.

For more information contact:

Office of Lt. Governor: Brian Dirks (360) 786-7707 or dirks.brian@leg.wa.gov