Don Fritz

Don Fritz, born in Tacoma, Washington in 1950, is a distinguished artist and educator whose work spans a broad spectrum of media, including drawing, painting, and ceramics. His artistic journey began with a BFA from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1976, followed by an MFA from the University of California, Davis, in 1978, where he was deeply influenced by the renowned art faculty and the innovative approaches of the California art scene of the time.

Over the past several decades, Don has built a reputation for his unique exploration of American pop culture, gender, and power dynamics, often drawing from themes in childhood iconography and mythology. His teaching career has been equally notable: he has taught at numerous colleges and universities across California, sharing his expertise and inspiring new generations of artists. In 2023, he retired as Professor Emeritus, marking the culmination of his formal teaching career.

Don’s contributions to the art world have been recognized through numerous awards, including two Pollock-Krasner Foundation artist grants. His work has been exhibited widely, both nationally and internationally, and is represented in prestigious public and private collections. His art is included in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Triton Museum in Santa Clara, and the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, as well as in corporate collections such as Microsoft Corporation in Washington.

Additionally, his works are held in the private collections of notable figures, including Cheech Marin, Jim Carrey, and Nicolas Cage. Don’s art continues to captivate audiences through its commentary on identity, society, and the cultural narratives that shape our perceptions.