2018.035.002 [Etching]

Artist: Arthur Geisert Title: Mystery p. 32 Medium: Hand-colored copper plate etching on BFK Rives paper Date: 2003 Credit Line: Dubuque Museum of Art. The Arthur Geisert Collection. Gift of Arthur Geisert and Bonnie Geisert, made possible by Jack & Mantea Schmid. Description: While not originally from the Midwest, Geisert appears to have embraced Midwestern life through his artwork commonly featuring pigs. Through college, Geisert lived in Los Angeles and studied at the Otis Art Institute where he perfected the process of etching. Since his etchings contained narrative and humourous qualities, he began to submit them to children’s publishers, but received numerous rejections for ten years. However, in 1984, he caught his first break and his book, Pa’s Balloon and Other Pig Tales was published by Houghton Mifflin. From there, Geisert continued publishing books, and eventually moved to Iowa, truly surrounding himself in the Midwest environment that he had been depicting for years. This piece comes from his book, Mystery about a piglet who investigates missing artwork at a museum. Geisert lives and works in his studio in downtown Elkader, Iowa. Content can be used with the following standards: 3rd grade SS 3.28 Cultural Contributions in a lesson on art culture and artists in Iowa. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.