Dan Brown presents a lively body of work that feels animated by motion, humor, and deep attentiveness to the natural world. Brown’s constructed sculptures—crafted from metal, wood, and found objects—appear to swim, dance, and soar within the Atrium Gallery. Fish, foals, and human figures emerge with expressive gestures and buoyant personalities, inviting viewers into a playful dialogue between material, form, and imagination. Complementing these sculptures are Brown’s watercolor paintings of trout, displayed in the Museum’s light-filled glass atrium. Together, these works reveal an artist whose delight in nature is matched by an instinct for storytelling and connection.

For Brown, making art is both necessity and pleasure. Ideas accumulate through long observation and reflection, and when the moment is right, the work flows. His affinity for found objects traces back to his college years and has evolved into a sustained commitment to reuse, sustainability, and thoughtful making. This resourcefulness mirrors his life beyond the studio—recycling extensively, growing food, and valuing what might otherwise be overlooked.

Brown’s versatility across media reflects a career shaped by curiosity and teaching. After earning degrees in wildlife biology and education, he spent three decades teaching both science and art, encouraging experimentation and learning alongside his students. His wide-ranging experiences—from global travel to public art installations across the Pacific Northwest—inform work that is grounded, generous, and quietly joyful.

Artist Statement:
Making art is a necessity for me. When I have the time and thought about something for a good long while, the work just flows.