Class of 1975
BFA in Art and Design; MFA from Indiana University
Profession: Studio Painter
Location: Gig Harbor, WA

After graduating with departmental honors from Alma, Lynda went on to earn her MFA from Indiana University and completed her degree in 1979. With her degrees she worked as a professor both at Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL and Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL.

"In 1995 I quit teaching to work full-time as a studio artist and have been doing so ever since.  I have a studio on the Puget Sound in Gig Harbor, WA (near Seattle) and am represented by three galleries: Gail Severn Gallery in Sun Valley ID, Arden Gallery in Boston MA and Gwenda Jay/Addington Gallery in Chicago, IL.

"My website will allow you to see photos of my paintings and also of my studio:  www.lyndalowe.com

"I transferred to Alma College after my freshman year at Colorado State University after visiting the art department and enjoying the idea of the more personal approach to education that a liberal arts college offers. It was a great decision. I enjoyed the community of other creative students, a nice facility, and a great deal of support and training from mentors whose enthusiasm for the arts has stayed with and sustained me in many ways to this day. My graduate degree deepened a specific focus and artistic voice, but the broad foundation of studies and creative discipline learned at Alma were a most important foundation on which to build the skills that eventually moved me into a career as a professional artist.  Now as a mid career artist, there is nothing I'd rather be doing and yes, I make a nice living from the sales of my paintings.

"Words of wisdom for aspiring artists:  If you need to be in the arts, you should find a way to make it work. Being an artist is not just something that you 'do', but something you 'are' no matter what else you need to do to support yourself.  It can sometimes be a difficult start.  Obviously not many enter this profession with the idea that they will get rich quickly. And unfortunately rejections come with the territory. Find a way to stay with it, work hard, and don't be afraid to network.  Others before you have been helped by a generous spirit and will pass that to you in turn. Once established, being an artist is a wonderful career (on most days!). I can't imagine being anything else and am grateful every day to do something for which I have a great passion."