Cheryl Stidwell Parker

Cheryl Stidwell Parker

I am a retired art educator, and former museum administrator, originally from Jefferson, Iowa. I attended UNI in Cedar Falls Iowa receiving a BA in Art education and later a MA from College of Design at Iowa State University. My background includes teaching in public schools, community college, and many facets of museum work over the years including organization and implementation of museum education programs, and the duties of museum educator, museum curator, assistant director and executive director from 1975-2003. In 1990-91 the Iowa Art Educators and the National Art Education Association awarded me with Museum Educator of the year, and in 1990 I was awarded an Award of Excellence for research work at the College of Design. I have exhibited my art in galleries and museums throughout Iowa and Wisconsin. I was active with the Fort Dodge Area Fine Arts Council for over a decade as President and Art in the Park chair, and ten years with the Door County Art League. As a 50-year member of P.E.O. I have served in official positions and committee work to further the mission of financial aid to the cause of women’s educational opportunities.

After my early retirement in 2003 my husband and I returned to Australia each winter for five years before settling in Door County full time in 2008 where I established Chez Cheryl Artspace, where we hold The Door Prize for Portraiture each June and July, and occasional pop up exhibits of artists work. I continue to explore paint in all its expressive formats, informed and inspired by my surroundings and observations.