Dorri Thyden

EDUCATION

Master of Public Policy (MPP), International Security & Economic Policy, School of Public Affairs,University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Political Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

Dorri has been involved in art projects for nearly 20 years in Washington, D.C., California, and Arizona. Dorri has been fortunate to use her art skills and experience in a variety of roles throughout her career and personal life. From her role as a recreation assistant, responsible for teaching arts and crafts in after school programs, to professional artist and gallery owner, Dorri has worked hard to ensure art and creativity remain a part of her everyday life. In addition to shows and exhibits, Dorri has also been commissioned for a variety of paintings and art projects throughout the years.

Inspired by the vibrant colors and larger than life landscapes of the southwest, she likes to create large, bright and vivid paintings with a creative perspective. She focuses on everyday objects or themes and applies a unique spin and massive splash of color. With her background in government, law and politics, Dorri also gravitates towards creating political art that depicts themes related to civic engagement and awareness.

Dorri developed her style with an eye towards simplicity. She uses art to contradict the complexities of the world by creating unassuming, colorful images that convey myriad of messages. She usually paints using pure, bright colors, only occasionally mixing or graying colors and enjoys extending the lines of objects to illustrate a motion of melding colors. She uses color to inspire and believes that art can play a pivotal role in lifting spirits and balancing quality of life – not only by appreciating art but creating it.

GALLERY SHOWS

  • 2020 International Juried Group Show, Us: What Divides Us and What Unites Us, Touchstone Gallery, Washington, DC
  • 2019 Group Show, Contrast and Color, Puerta’s Gallery, Phoenix, AZ
  • 2019 Group Show, Altered State, Puerta’s Gallery, Phoenix, AZ
  • 2018 Solo Show, Artful Politics, Puerta’s Gallery, Phoenix, AZ
  • 2018 Group Show, Kinship and the Politics of Healthcare, Puerta’s Gallery, Phoenix, AZ
  • 2016 Juried Show, Art as Politics, Touchstone Gallery, Washington, DC
  • 2013 Solo Show, ArTechtic, Santa Monica Art Studios, Santa Monica, CA
  • 2009 Group Show, Inspire and Influence with Derede McAlpin – Touchstone Gallery, Washington, DC
  • 2008 Solo Show, Capitol Colors – Touchstone Gallery, Washington, DC
  • 2004 Group Show, Democratic Art Auction, Triptych Gallery, Phoenix, AZ
  • 2003 Private Solo Show, Perspectives, Private Residence, Washington, DC
  • 2003 Private Solo Show, Petal Burst, Private Residence, Washington, DC

EXHIBITIONS

Dorri enjoys sharing her art with the community and frequently exhibits her art at local businesses and organizations, including:

  • Exhibit, Spoonz Cafe, Phoenix AZ
  • Exhibit, Pacific Design Center, Crestron Showroom, Los Angeles, CA
  • Exhibit, Arizona Art Alliance Gallery, Phoenix, AZ
  • Exhibit, AZ House of Representatives, Phoenix, AZ
  • Exhibit, Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, Washington, DC
  • Exhibit, Delta in Skin, Paradise Valley, AZ
  • Exhibit, The Lead Group, Phoenix, AZ
  • Participant, Urban Arts Project, Washington, DC
  • Participant, Arizona Art Alliance, Phoenix, AZ
  • Participant, Sunnyslope Art Walk, Phoenix, AZ

CHARITY AUCTIONS

Over the years, Dorri has been asked to donate paintings for charity auctions and fundraisers, including:

  • Emily’s List
  • St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Auction
  • Los Abogados Annual Gala
  • Arizona Democratic Party, Hall of Fame Dinner with Kamala Harris
  • Democratic Art Auction
  • One Community Foundation Auction

OWNER / CURATOR / ARTIST

Puerta’s Gallery (closed due to covid; now online)

Puerta’s Gallery is a gallery and art space dedicated to creative expression, critical thinking and community engagement. By combining her experience in politics and civics with her love of art, Dorri opened Puerta’s Gallery to serve as a creative outlet for people to learn and engage in civics and the community through art. Puerta’s Gallery uses art to encourage and foster an open mind and critical eye toward the ideas we share and the information we consume.

  • Curator & Artist, Carbon & Color, Puerta’s Gallery, Phoenix, AZ
  • Curator, Altered State, Puerta’s Gallery, Phoenix, AZ
  • Curator & Artist, Artful Politics, Puerta’s Gallery, Phoenix, AZ
  • Instructor, Paint & Pinot for Earth Day, Puerta’s Gallery, Phoenix, AZ

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