Dean Popek
I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1947. I have always expressed myself with pencil, pen or paint and took every art class that was available to me. In my senior year of high school, my graphic design submission was chosen for the 1965 yearbook cover. My cover design being selected was the encouragement that started me to think about a career in graphic design. Upon completion of my service in the Navy, I entered the San Diego Community College commercial art and illustration program receiving an AA degree in 1972. The following two years I spent my time studying at San Diego State University where I received a BA degree in fine arts. My emphasis was in painting and sculpture under the guidance of Jean Swiggett and John Rogers.
My art related career for many years was graphic arts and illustration while in the Southern California aerospace industry. Now that I have retired, I’m focusing on my true passion of welded steel sculpture. I have recently relocated to Vancouver, WA where I have a small metal working studio and I am establishing myself in the local arts community.
Exhibitions/Installations:
2019
Represented by Aurora Gallery Vancouver, WA.
2018
Represented by Aurora Gallery Vancouver, WA.
2017
Represented by Aurora Gallery Vancouver, WA.
2016
Represented by Aurora Gallery Vancouver, WA.
2015
Academy Square Condominiums
Twins, Metal Sculpture, 2015, Courtyard Installation
Archer Gallery, Clark College, Vancouver, WA. Group Exhibition
Penguin, Metal Sculpture, 2014, Third Place Merit Award
North Bank Artist Gallery, Vancouver, WA, Open Studio
Boomerang Coffee, Vancouver, WA,
Communion, Metal Sculpture. 2014, Group Exhibition
Above and Below Art Studio, Vancouver, WA, Trio Exhibition
Savoring Excellence Reception, Clark College, Vancouver, WA,
United We Stand, Metal Sculpture, 2014, Trio Exhibition
Hokusei Sushi, Southeast Portland, OR,
Paintings and Sculpture, 2014, Solo Exhibition
2014
Archer Gallery, Clark College, Vancouver, WA. Group Exhibition
United We Stand, Metal Sculpture, 2014
North Bank Artists Gallery, Vancouver, WA, Open Studio
Calvary Chapel Downtown, Vancouver, WA.
Penquin, United We Stand, Metal Sculpture, 2014, Group Exhibition
Works Held In Private Collections Located In:
Eastvale, CA. Los Angeles, CA. Redding, CA. San Diego, CA. Evergreen, CO. Blaine, MN. Minneapolis, MN. Hoodsport, WA. Vancouver, WA.
Education:
Clark College Welding/Sculpture Dept. Vancouver, WA 2013-2015
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 1973-1974
San Diego Community College, San Diego, CA 1970-1972