Arlene Origoni

Arlene grew up just outside of Spokane, Washington in a small farming community. While growing up she often went with her grandfather to visit her uncles in Idaho; one of which (Uncle Bill) was an artist. She would sit and draw with him while visiting and occasionally he would surprise her with some new art supplies. It was his encouragement and support which fueled her enthusiasm for painting. So began her journey...at the age of nine she picked up her first paint brush then at age 13 began exhibiting in galleries. For the next twenty some years she painted exclusively in oils. Then about ten years ago while attending an all pastel exhibition she was so impressed with the vibrancy of the colors and the forgiving nature of pastel she knew it was the medium for her. Before moving to Northern Nevada much of Arlene's energy went in to exhibitions for both environmental and human causes working closely with the Ojai Land Conservancy, County of Ventura (preservation of county landmarks) and Ojai's homeless shelters. In addition to local concerns she has helped to raise the awareness of our endangered species through working with the International Wildlife Foundation and the League for Endangered Species.

ART EDUCATION: California State University, Long Beach, California; Art Center College of Design, Pasadena,
California; Otis Parsons Art Institute, Los Angeles, California