Carl Forslund

Carl Forslund

Statement | Biography


Carl Forslund • Statement



As an artist, I am interested in painting the contrast between the geometric shapes created by man and the free-form masses created in nature.  In so doing, I try to show how nature evolves and matures while the static objects of man ever so slowly decline.


Carl Forslund • Biography



EDUCATION

1950    
Bachelor of Science, Wood Technology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

1941-1942  
Art Center School, studied with Robert Godfrey, Grand Rapids, Michigan

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

Throughout a seventy year span, Carl has hung and competed in countless art exhibitions
across the country.  Some of the most notable include the following:


Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio

International Association of Pastel Society, Denver, Colorado, Kansas City, Missouri, and Albuquerque, New Mexico

Pastel Society of America, New York City, New York

Southeastern Pastel Society, Atlanta, Georgia

Friends of Art, Grand Rapids, Michigan

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1987    
Returned to active participation in art community

1970    
Took over active management Forslund Manufacturing Division

1950    
Entered career in Carl Forslund Furniture business

1945-1947  
Staff Artist post-WWII for the 20th Air Force                              

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

2008   
Formed “the West Michigan Eight” with seven other professional artists

1993    
Co-founded Great Lakes Pastel Society

1993
Entered & became member of Degas Pastel Society, New Orleans, Louisiana

1959-1968  
Member of Board of Directors for Grand Rapids Art Gallery

1956    
Founding member of Grand Valley Artists (last surviving member)

HONORS/AWARDS

2009   
Selected as Distinguished Pastelist, Southeastern Pastel Society

2008   
Exceptional Merit award, Southeastern Pastel Society

2005   
Master Circle Medal, International Association of Pastel Societies

1989    
Selected as Signature Member, Pastel Society of America

PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

Muskegon Museum of Art

Spectrum Hospital- Blodgett & Downtown Campus

Fifth Third Bank

Hauenstein Neurological Center

GALLERY REPRESENTATION

Exclusively at LaFonstee Gallery