January 13 – November 20, 2022
Howard Dallas Duell was considered one of the region’s more accomplished and innovative artists at mid-century. As a sculptor, painter, designer, craftsman, he won recognition both regionally and nationally.
Born in Philadelphia, PA. and raised in Spokane, WA, he was a resident of Edmonds, WA from 1960. A decorated Marine, he served in the Korean War winning a Purple Heart and survived the Chosin Reservoir battle. He earned a BA in Art from Eastern Washington University in 1955 and an MFA from the University of Washington in 1957. He was an art instructor at Edmonds Community College and Everett Community College (1965-1989) and taught Arts & Crafts in Nome, AK (1964-65) for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He was a member of the American Craftsmen Council and served as chair of the Edmonds Community College Art Department. Duell was a regular exhibitor and participant in the early years of the Edmonds Arts Festival.
He was a prominent member of the Northwest Designer Craftsmen, Northwest Institute of Sculpture, and Pacific Northwest Arts & Crafts. His work won numerous awards, including First Prize for Wood and an Award for Distinction from the Museum of Contemporary Crafts in New York for the exhibition, “Young Americans” in 1958 which traveled to eight national venues. Duell completed numerous regional commissions and pioneered the innovative use of plastic and found objects as fine art mediums.
Image Credits:
- Howard Duell (1929-2009), Untitled (abstract forms), circa 1955. Painted steel wire. Collection of the Estate of Howard Duell.
- Howard Duell (1929-2009), Untitled (abstract forms), circa 1968. Wood, stone, and metal. Collection of the Estate of Howard Duell.
