About The Artist

Suzanne Lee Chetwood, known in the art world as Suzanne DeSoleil, is a contemporary artist whose work radiates with vibrant color and light. Her paintings, celebrated for their expressive use of hue and form, invite viewers into a world where art becomes a language of emotion and experience. Growing up as a reserved young girl in the forests of Pennsylvania, Suzanne found her voice through art, allowing her to articulate her deepest thoughts and feelings in ways words could not.

Encouraged by her parents, Suzanne’s talent blossomed from an early age. Her mother provided step-by-step drawing guides, while her father introduced her to oil painting at the age of twelve, setting up a still life for her to explore. This nurturing environment instilled in Suzanne a sense of creative freedom and empowerment that has driven her throughout her career.

Suzanne’s art is a tapestry of narratives inspired by the human experience and the natural world. Her landscapes, infused with vibrant colors and an ethereal quality of light, capture moments of joy, serenity, and profound connection with nature. Each piece invites the viewer to see the world through Suzanne’s eyes, where even the simplest scenes are transformed into extraordinary visual experiences.

Educated on a full scholarship at the Pennsylvania Governor's School of Arts, Suzanne further honed her skills at Juniata College and Boise State University, where she earned a BFA in painting and ceramics. Her work has been featured in prestigious international exhibitions, museum shows, and public art installations, establishing her as a significant figure in the contemporary art scene.

Comprehensive List of Accomplishments and Exhibitions

Public Art & Murals:

  • 2019: Public Art Traffic Box Mural – Boise, Idaho. (Corner of 11th and Grove)
  • 2018: Public Art Traffic Box Mural – Boise, Idaho. (Corner of Main and Whitewater)
  • 2017: Public Art Traffic Box Mural – Boise, Idaho. (Corner of Shoreline and Americana/City of Eagle HWY 55 and Hill Road)
  • 2016: Meridian Public Art Traffic Box Mural – Meridian, Idaho
  • 2015: MAC Artist Traffic Box – Meridian, Idaho
  • 2013: Public Art Traffic Box Mural – Boise, Idaho. (Corner of Franklin and Allumbaugh)
  • 2013: Public Art Finalist - Boise Airport Ticketing Mural to commemorate Boise's sesquicentennial

Awards & Recognition:

  • 2017: Savor Idaho Invitational - Eagle Paint Out, Hosted by Finer Frames, Boise ID
  • 2016: Featured Artist - "Idaho: The Movie 2," Emmy Award-winning film
  • 2016: Art n Sip - Featured Artist, Meridian Arts Foundation, Meridian, Idaho
  • 2015: People’s Choice Award - Eagle Paint Out, Hosted by Finer Frames, Eagle ID
  • 2010: Artist In Residence - Boise City Department of Arts and History, (Double Residency)
  • 1992: Pennsylvania Governors School of Excellence for the Arts - Full Art and Residential Scholarship, Erie, Pennsylvania

Solo Exhibitions:

  • 2023: “Of Sun” – Visual Arts Collective, Garden City, Idaho
  • 2022: “Contemporary Goddess” – Sunshine Spice Cafe, Boise, Idaho
  • 2022: “Suzannescapes” – Peaceful Belly, Caldwell, Idaho
  • 2018: “Portrait and Lens” – Evermore Gallery, Boise, Idaho
  • 2017: “Place and Environment” – Upcycle, Boise, Idaho
  • 2016: “Reflections: Cheers, Toasts, and Odes” – The Mode, Boise, Idaho
  • 2016: "Un petit vacances" – The Gallery at Finer Frames, Eagle, Idaho
  • 2014: “Idaho, The Other Side of the Fence” – Initial Point Gallery, Meridian, Idaho
  • 2013: “Traces of Wheat” – Solid Gallery, Boise, Idaho
  • 2009: “Painting Rock and Drainage” – The Loft Gallery, Hailey, Idaho
  • 2008: “Of The Earth” – The Basement Gallery, Boise, Idaho
  • 2006: “Love Affair with Idaho” – The Artisan Gallery, Eagle, Idaho
  • 2000: “The Clay Canvas Box” – Picture This Gallery, Boise, Idaho
  • 1995: “Emergence” – Huntingdon Historical Society Gallery, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Group Exhibitions:

  • 2023: “Heaven on Earth” – Initial Point Gallery, Meridian, Idaho
  • 2023: “Wild Women” – Finer Frames Gallery, Eagle, Idaho
  • 2019: "Contemporary 2019: Contemporary Figure" – The Art Center, Western Colorado Center For the Arts, Grand Junction, Colorado. Juror: Ron Hicks
  • 2019: "Menagerie-Wild and Wonderful" – The Contemporary Art Exchange, Washington, North Carolina
  • 2019: "Persistence: A National Exhibition Celebrating Women" – D'Art Center, Norfolk, Virginia. (Invited) Juror: Lori Pratico
  • 2019: "Paying Tribute to the Muse" – Vanessa Lacy Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri
  • 2019: Zion’s Bank Artist Reception – Featured Cover Artist, Boise, Idaho
  • 2018: Idaho Hopes – Gem Center for the Arts, Boise, Idaho
  • 2018: 32 Cells: Origins – Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise, Idaho
  • 2017: Eagle Plein Air Festival – Eagle, Idaho
  • 2016: Zion's Bank Artist Reception – Boise, Idaho
  • 2015: "Healing Arts" – The Gallery at Finer Frames, Eagle, Idaho. Juror: Meg Glasgow
  • 2014: "The Northwest Experience" – The Clymer Museum, Ellensburg, WA. Jurors: Michael J. Lewis/Gregg Schlanger
  • 2010: "Kiss Me" – Pop Revolution Gallery, Mason, Ohio. Juror: Pattie Byron
  • 2009: "Figures" – The Gallery at Hyde Park, Boise, Idaho
  • 2005: "Crafts National 39" – Zoller Gallery, State College, Pennsylvania. Juror: Jean McLaughlin
  • 2005: "BOSCO" – Boise Art Museum, Boise, Idaho
  • 2002: "Alumni Show" – Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
  • 1992: "Student Exhibition" – Juniata College Museum of Art, Huntingdon, PA

Bibliography:

  • 2019: Root Magazine feature "The Art in Healing"
  • 2019: Boise Weekly Cover Art
  • 2018: Greenbelt Magazine July/Aug “We heARTsummer-Local Boise Artists”
  • 2018: Eagle Magazine May/June Cover Art
  • 2017: Boise Weekly Volume 25, Issue 38, March 8-14, Cover Art
  • 2015: Boise Weekly Volume 24, Issue 23, November 25-December 1, Cover Art
  • 2013: Idaho Statesman May 15, Cover, "Boise's Public Art Scene Booms"
  • 2005: Idaho Statesman May 10, “Neighborhood Feels Energy of Artist’s Studio”
  • 2003: Thrive Magazine September 23, “Brushing up with Suzanne Lee” (Cover and pages 28-29)
  • 2003: Boise Weekly Volume 11, Issue 50, June 18-24, “Double Exposure”

Education:

  • 2016: The Business of Art Workshop – McLean Art Projects, Surel's Place, Boise, Idaho
  • 2014: Boise Public Art Academy – Boise City Department of Arts and History, Boise, Idaho
  • 2007: Boise State University – Professional Art Practices, Harriet Estel Burman
  • 2004: Albertsons College of Idaho – Arts Powered Schools Certificate, Caldwell, Idaho
  • 1999: Boise State University – BFA in Ceramics and Painting, Certified K-12 Idaho Teaching Certificate, Graduated Magna Cum Laude
  • 1992: Juniata College – 2 years Ceramics Studies, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Collections:

  • Zion's Bank – Corporate
  • Melting Pot Restaurant
  • Paradise Ford
  • McDonald’s Headquarters, Boise, Idaho

In Summary

Suzanne’s artistic journey has been marked by resilience, growth, and an enduring connection to the natural world. From her early days in a modest garage studio to her current recognition as a distinguished artist, Suzanne has remained committed to her craft. Her work continues to captivate and inspire, offering viewers a chance to pause and reflect on the beauty and tranquility that surround us.

As Georgia O'Keeffe aptly stated, "I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way—things I had no words for." Suzanne’s art embodies this sentiment, inviting you to experience the world through her eyes.