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Artist Printmaker Educator As a native Californian, Gretchen Grunt knew she was looking for an adventure in the arts. With little formal instruction, Gretchen began her education at Cuesta Community College in San Luis Obispo. The artistic exploration took hold with any medium she could get her hands into: figure drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpting and bronze casting. In 1995, Gretchen graduated with Distinction from Sonoma State University after an intensive two-year study in the traditional printmaking methods of etching and lithography, instructed by Kirt Kemp and Shane Weare. Upon graduating, Gretchen returned to San Luis Obispo and reached out to the community by becoming an active member of a local artist cooperative, the San Luis Artists' Gallery in the historic Creamery. The Creamery is where Gretchen directed the painting of a mural that still exists today. Then in August 2003, Gretchen transformed herself by leaving the comfort of the coast and moving back to 29 Palms. There, the excitement of making her studio open to the public led to the establishment of the 29 Palms Creative Center & Gallery. As the Creative Center began to blossom, Gretchen became an active member of the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council, Board of Directors. The Arts Council continues to be a crucial lifeline to the thriving artistic community of the Morongo Basin & beyond. Gretchen still works in any medium that takes hold of her imagination! Beginning with painting, life drawing, & then printmaking on or off the etching presses, mosaics, collaging, & most recently bookmaking at the Creative Center , where she also teaches private art classes with students of all ages & skill levels. With the Griffin Etching Press, she makes unique prints ranging from simple monotypes to the more complex combinations of traditional processes: drypoints, stencils, collage elements, etchings, and linoleum cuts. On canvas, the brush-strokes have emerged in striking colors using the surrounding desert landscape for inspiration. Convinced that the desert environment and the people of this community are a source of inspiration, Gretchen donates 3% of her art sales to the Mojave Desert Land Trust in an effort to give back thanks. The Land Trust is a non-profit organization that strives to "protect the Mojave Desert ecosystem and its scenic and cultural resource values". Enjoy Supporting the Arts! |
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