Ellen Gabehart
I began drawing at three (before I knew what the word artist meant). My first professional art training began at the High School of Music and Art and the Art Student’s League of New York City. I studied composition, perspective and figure drawing. In Los Angeles, I continued to study drawing and painting at Choinard Institute.
My active political awareness began at California University in Northridge, Calif, when I joined the Student Rights Movement. At a rally I got arrested for promoting free speech and the integration of African American students. Feeling totally outraged I began to create political paintings about intolerance.
Being a member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and after reading several pamphlets about the sacrificial Free Speech Walk by the IWW members I felt compelled to paint “Free Speech” to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this event. I also have created paintings about saving the environment, prejudice, and the evil useless war promoted by George Bush, and “Hungry Hands” depicting the causes of world hunger.
I also create art work about my life in Mexico, and designs integrated with musicians. I am represented by the New Zone Art Gallery, Eugene, Emerald Art Gallery, Springfield, Mindpower Gallery, Reedsport, and Coos Art Museum in Coos Bay. (Original link)