Susan’s Story

Susan Russell was an influential artist, educator, and advocate whose vibrant personality and unique artistry left an enduring mark on the Pacific Northwest art community. Born on June 14, 1945, in Colfax, Washington, Susan began her artistic journey with a passion fostered by supportive teachers in her hometown. 

A graduate of the University of Washington, Susan met her husband there, captivating him with her tall stature,  red hair, and signature eye-catching wardrobe. The couple later settled in Everett, Washington, where Susan’s dedication to art education and community building took root. She spent more than 20 years teaching art at Snohomish High School, where she pioneered the school’s AP Art program. Her mentorship inspired countless students, guiding many toward careers in the arts. 

In 1992, Susan was named Snohomish County’s first Artist of the Year by the Arts Council of Snohomish County, now the Schack Art Center, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her contributions to the arts extended beyond teaching; she was a visionary force in the founding of the Arts Council itself in 1975 and played a pivotal role in the development of art programs that continue to benefit young artists today. She initiated the county’s Scholastic Art Awards program, creating avenues for local students to gain national recognition. In her honor, the Schack Art Center established the annual Susan Jane Russell Art Scholarship to support emerging artists.

“She was just such a force,” said Nancy Bell, education director of the Schack Art Center in Everett. “She helped me develop the programs we have today. She was a visionary.”

Susan’s artistic influence and commitment to her community were widely recognized. The city of Everett honored her with the prestigious Richard Wendt Award for Excellence in 2003, celebrating her dedication to the arts. During her tenure on the Everett Cultural Arts Commission from 1998 to 2005, she contributed to public art projects, including the restoration of Kenneth Callahan murals and the installation of notable sculptures in downtown Everett. Her work with the commission demonstrated her belief in making art accessible and integral to public spaces.

Over her career, she became an accomplished painter, calligrapher, potter, designer, and ikebana practitioner, donning many artistic hats with characteristic flair. Susan’s whimsical and brightly colored art often reflected her love for the everyday beauty of her native Eastern Washington’s Palouse country. Her paintings inspired by the Palouse landscape were featured in a Palouse art show in 2002 by the Arts Council of Snohomish County.

Susan served in many PSC positions over the years and taught workshops in the Northwest. She is remembered in the calligraphy community for her energy, generosity, and eagerness to share the joy of art with anyone she met.