Whitewater, Wis. (Sept. 18, 2025) – Roberta’s Art Gallery is proud to present the watercolor works of Merwood “Woody” Olsen, a local artist and alum of UW-Whitewater, on display from September 18 to October 17. A free public reception will be held on October 7, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by an open house from 7 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. In addition, a free watercolor workshop for students will take place on Tuesday, October 14, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the University Center Lower Level, hosted in collaboration with UC Live.

“Expressing Imagination” showcases bright splashes of watercolor in various shapes and sizes, layered to create dynamic compositions in both positive and negative space. Figures, often faceless or with distorted features, emerge from these vibrant backgrounds, encouraging personal interpretation. Olsen’s unique process combines watercolor with drawing, collage, and mixed media, incorporating crayons, charcoal, and wash. The result is artwork filled with depth, texture, and motion, influenced by years of experimentation and a love of color theory. Olsen says, “When first studying watercolor, I was instructed to drag the brush across the paper overlapping other washes to create color, depth and texture. The results fascinated me. I knew I had found my media.” 

Born in Beloit, raised in Sharon, and graduated from Big Foot High School, Walworth, Wisconsin “Woody” attended UW-Whitewater, studying art history, studio arts, etching, and printmaking. He was a student of the late Leanne Stevenson, Whitewater professor and artist. Olsen continued his studies at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. His abstract paintings have been featured in juried shows throughout the Midwest, including “Watercolor Wisconsin”. His work is included in several private collections. He currently resides in Janesville, Wisconsin, where he is the curator chair of the Janesville Art League’s permanent collection.

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wisconsin. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists to coordinate and sponsor exhibits. Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves on providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit www.uww.edu/rag for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag. For more information about Woody Olsen’s work, please visit woodyolsen.com.###