Welcome to Martha Walden Art. I am a self-taught visual artist and have always been drawn to drawing - from all manner of pencils, to charcoal, and soft pastels. The tactile feel of the of the stick in hand, the close detailing, and immediacy of the mediums, I find meditative. For the past several years, I’ve been exploring paints + odd bric-a-brac, and love the surprise outcomes of combining unconventional materials. This exploration has provided a more expressive, spontaneous, and creative outlet that continues to inspire me.

Born in Aurora, CO, but raised in Quincy, IL, I have lived and worked in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Los Angeles - with international travels in between. After 50 years away, and during the middle of the pandemic, I found my way back to Quincy in 2020. Determined to do an about face from decades in the corporate world, I focused my energy on art (and rehabbing my 80 year old bungalow…).

In an out of comfort zone act, I submitted a piece to the Quincy Art Center’s 12th Annual Member Exhibit in 2021. Fast forward to 2025 - and it was a truly transformative year for my art notions - I accepted a generous offer to be a member of the lovely Alliance Art Gallery in Hannibal, MO.

CV and Exhibits

My art education includes college extension courses in drawing, oil painting, charcoal, and pastels, as well as self-study in techniques, materials, and process.

2025 - Mary S. Oakley & Lee Lindsay Area Artist Showcase; Keokuk Art Center; Hannibal Arts Council ORiGINALE; Quincy Art Center Pop-Up Online Gallery; Quincy Art Center Art Walk

2024 - Mary S. Oakley & Lee Lindsay Area Artist Showcase; Hannibal Arts Council ORiGINALE, “Cairo” Merit Award

2023 - Quincy Art Center Member Show; Hannibal Arts Council ORiGINALE, “Chair” Honorable Mention

2022 - Mary S. Oakley & Lee Lindsay Area Artist Showcase; Hannibal Arts Council ORiGINALE; Quincy Art Center Member Show

2021 - Quincy Art Center Member Show

Curious about my artwork, want to know more, want to purchase? Contact me at: MarthaWaldenArt@gmail.com