FEATURED ARTIST - DAVA DAHLGRAN CPSA, CPX

September 1 - October 31, 2026

Dava has officially been an artist since 1965 though she cannot remember there ever being a time when she did not draw or paint. After attending the Art Institute of Pittsburgh she worked in the Commercial Art field for a number of years before a stint as a crime lab photographer and then as a gallery attendant and picture framer. During all of these years Dava also created and taught fine art on her own time. In the beginning watercolor was her chosen medium but in the 80s her passion became colored pencil, which she has used ever since. It is amazing what a simple pencil can do. She has been a full-time fine artist since 2014 when she and her husband both retired to Janesville.

Dava’s exhibit highlights the Midwest and especially the necessary partnership between husband and wife in order to support a farm family. Dava loves to experiment with subjects and materials, a fact that is evident in this show. In addition to tradition papers there are pieces drawn on drafting film and on prepared gesso panels. When a new idea prompts Dava to draw, it often becomes the first in a series, as is the case with the quilt drawings.

“It is amazing what a simple pencil can do.”
-Dava Dahlgran CPSA, CPX

Artist Galleries are free for viewing and open to the public during scheduled business hours. Original Artwork is available for purchase.