Linda Olson teaches studio arts as a full professor at Minot State University, as she has since 1990, and is chair of the Division of Art and Professional Communication. Having been required to wear many hats during her lifetime, Olson enjoys creating in several media. She still considers ceramics her medium of choice. Olson has lived in Minot since 1990, but considers herself “home grown,” having been raised in McHenry County, North Dakota.
Olson is the current president of the American Rock Art Research Association, a non-profit organization with the mission to educate, conserve and respect the rock art of the Americas. Olson’s personal artwork can frequently be found on display in regional exhibitions and has received numerous awards for her artmaking and professional service, including the Artist Fellowship from NDCA, the Larry Remele Fellowship from Humanities ND, the Women of Distinction Award from the Minot YWCA and the Brenda Bjorlie Award from the Pekin Arts Council.
Olson has served the North Dakota arts community in many capacities, including as a grant panelist, and as director of ND Art Gallery Association for over 20 years. She frequently teaches ceramics and traditional arts and crafts techniques at workshops and through demonstrations at area events. She has also served on the Board of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Museums in North Dakota, and the North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations.
Olson has cum laude degrees from Minot State University, University of Montana and the University of North Dakota.
Counties served (figures taken from 2018 census): Burke County, population 2,100; Renville County, population 2,374; Bottineau County, population 6,411; Mountrail County, population 10,218; Ward County, population 67,744; McHenry County, population 5,816; Pierce County, population 4,081