Susan Monserud Biography

Susan Monserud

Susan Monserud is an architect and an abstract artist, who works in oils and mixed media — most often in a series. She is interested in the process of making drawing after drawing, painting after painting.  Line and mark-making are a primary focus in her art.  Each work is part of a continuing effort — an evolving process of discovery, not simply the act of creating an individual work. Her abstract art typically references elements of the natural landscape as well as man-made structures. She often emphasizes ambiguity in her images.

Art and design have been the focus of her entire career, first as an artist and art teacher, then as a practicing architect and now as a full-time artist. She graduated from an art school in Norway after studying fine arts in college. In recent years she has been a visiting drawing critic at the Yale School of Architecture. She is the producer of the recently completed documentary film, “Gramercy Stories”, about gay and transgender teens in foster care. She serves on non-profits boards for organizations focusing on the arts and on youth. Her paintings and drawings are in numerous private collections throughout the US.

Selected exhibitions include:

– Behnke -Doherty Gallery, Martha’s Vineyard MA (solo – 2017)
– Gallery at Valley Spirit Coop, Washington Depot CT (solo and group shows 2017 and 2018)
– “AFTER ARCHITECTURE,” The Harts Gallery, New Milford, CT (2016)
– “NEW,” an Exhibit of Six Artists at The New Arts Gallery, Litchfield CT (2014)
– “Art & Food, ” The Washington Art Association, Washington Depot CT (group-2014)
– “6 Women Artists: Lines, Curves, Synergy,”  Gallery at Valley Spirit Coop, Washington Depot CT (2018-19)
– Solo Show,  Gallery at Valley Spirit Coop, Washington Depot CT (2017-18)
– Behnke-Doherty Gallery, Washington Depot CT (solo-2013)
– Behnke-Doherty Gallery, Washington Depot CT (solo-2011)
– Behnke-Doherty Gallery, Washington Depot CT (invitational group shows-2012 and 2011)
– “Introspection,” a 15-Year Celebration Exhibit, The New Arts Gallery, Litchfield CT (group-2011)
– “Images of the Roxbury Land Trust,” The Minor Memorial Library Gallery, Roxbury CT (invitational group show-2010)
– Gallery at Minor Memorial Library, Roxbury CT (solo-2009)
– The Fenn Gallery, Woodbury CT (two artists-2008)
– The Washington Art Association, Washington Depot CT (group-2007)
– Juried Members’ Show, New Britain Museum of American Art, CT (2006)
– The Harrison Gallery, Williamstown MA (solo-2005-6)
– Gallery at the Firehouse, New Milford CT (group-2004)
– Gallery at Woodbury Fine Arts & Antiques, Woodbury CT (solo-2003)
– Klavierhaus, New York, NY (solo-2003)
– Gallery at Minor Memorial Library, Roxbury CT (solo-2002)
– Gallery at Good News, Woodbury CT (solo-2000)
– Stairwell Gallery, Gunn Library, Washington CT (solo-2000)
– “Pride of Place” at the Gunn Museum, Washington CT (group-2000)

Prior to devoting full-time to painting and drawing, she combined architectural practice for projects in the US and abroad with teaching at Boston University School of Public Health. She served as a consulting architect-planner for numerous health care projects in the eastern United States and in Egypt, Tunisia, Mali, Gambia, Benin, Rwanda, Barbados, and Kyrgyz Republic.

She is a registered Architect with a Master of Architecture degree from NC State University School of Design, Raleigh, NC; a Certificate from the National School for Art and Education, Notodden, Norway; and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. She lives and works in Woodbury CT.