The Art Department, in conjunction with the family of the late Mel Olsen, a University of Wisconsin Superior alumnus, present an exhibit of art from Olsen’s life.
 
The exhibit is on display in the Kruk Gallery of the Holden Fine and Applied Arts Venter November 2-20.

Olsen graduated from UWS in 1965, and went on to earn his master of fine arts from UW-Milwaukee. He later returned to UWS in 1967 as a faculty member of the Art Department and taught art classes until retiring in 2006.

“After Olsen retired, I was astonished to see how many students came to me telling me that he had made a turning point in their art careers at UW,” said faculty member Kim Borst.

Over the years, Olsen escorted students to Scandinavia to study art history. He was particularly interested in the Sami culture of northern Scandinavia.

“He was very active in the Sami culture,” said Borst. “He liked learning about them and keeping the culture alive.”

Borst also commented on how much of an impact Olsen has left.

“Olsen was a kindered spirit, well respected, and he will be sorely missed,” he said.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. The exhibit is showing until Friday, November 20.