About Julie Blackman

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, I have been passionate about painting since  childhood. I earned a BFA in Painting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earlier studied under Oregon artist Frank Boyden at the University of New Mexico. Boyden, the founder of the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology on the Oregon Coast, was one of a handful of gifted teachers who influenced my artistic journey.

After relocating to Oregon with my husband, a native Oregonian, I dedicated 16 years to teaching special education in Portland Public Schools. During this time, I also actively participated in the local art scene, showcasing my work in Portland Open Studios from 2007 to 2012 and at Art in the High Desert in 2019 and 2023.

My artwork has been exhibited in numerous venues across Oregon and has garnered attention in various publications. My work has been featured in the Bend Bulletin and Cascade Arts & Entertainment magazine, and Bend Magazine highlighted my in a feature story in 2019. My paintings are part of private collections nationwide.