Lois VanLiew was a painter and multidisciplinary artist whose work reflects a lifelong devotion to creative expression.
Born in Atchison, Kansas, on April 29, 1938, Lois often shared a formative memory from early childhood—sitting in church at the age of four, quietly drawing with a silver pencil her mother had given her. What began as a simple moment of curiosity became the foundation of a life dedicated to art.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from the University of Kansas and began her career teaching at Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas. After marrying, she moved to Austin, Texas, where she served as Director of Art for the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Texas. During this time, she maintained an active studio practice and held her first solo exhibition, establishing herself as both an art professional and a committed working artist.
Following a move to Milwaukee and the start of her family, Lois continued to develop her artistic voice. Working from her studio in Grafton, Wisconsin, she remained deeply engaged in exploration across multiple mediums. While acrylic painting was central to her work, her creative range extended to handmade paper, silk painting, and figure drawing—each reflecting her curiosity, technical skill, and willingness to experiment.
In 2004, Lois returned to Kansas, where she became an active member of the NOTO Arts District in Topeka. There, she continued to exhibit, create, and connect with the artistic community. Over the years, her work received numerous awards and recognition, honoring both her artistic achievements and her lasting contributions to the communities she was part of.
Today, her work lives on through carefully preserved collections, offering a glimpse into a lifetime of observation, expression, and connection to place.
In Loving Memory
April 29, 1938 – February 11, 2026
