Iowa Artisans Gallery will host an exhibition of watercolors by Fort Dodge artist Richard Hanson, January 22-March 8, 2004. The artist will be honored at a closing reception during Gallery Walk, Friday March 5, 5-8pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Richard Hansen is an accomplished watercolorist whose subject matter explores natural and botanical themes so realistically portrayed they are often mistaken for photographs. One body of work consists of tropical flora. The other group is comprised of rock and leaf formations with reflective water. Hansen paints on 300lb Arches watercolor paper approximately 18x24” in size. He is an art educator in the Fort Dodge, Iowa community schools and is also a life-long Fort Dodge resident.

Since the early 1970s, Hanson has exhibited his work in more than one hundred major watercolor exhibitions throughout the country as well as regionally in Iowa. Recent highlights include Art for the Parks in Jackson Hole, WY (2001); the San Diego Watercolor Society’s 20th International Exhibition, where he won a Presidents Award (2000); the National Watercolor Society 81st Annual Exhibition, San Pedro, CA, where he was designated a Selected Signature Member (2001); and The Artist’s Magazine 2002 Annual Art Competition (Finalist Award), to name a few. He has also won “Best in Show” awards on numerous occasions.