William Stoehr
In 1965 I was 17 years old and I wanted to be an artist. Willem de Kooning was my art hero but, for various reasons I didn't. Later, I became an engineer and ultimately president of National Geographic’s mapping business.
40 years later in 2004, I retired to become a full-time artist. I could afford to define success in my way but it took a few years to find my voice – my mission.
My work focuses on victims, witnesses and survivors of opioid/substance use and the stigma which inhibits prevention, diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
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Exhibited internationally at universities, art centers, museums and galleries, I have participated in more than 120 exhibits including more than 30 one-person exhibitions and have been recognized many times including several best of show awards. I am a frequent speaker and lecturer and my work has been featured and reviewed in local, national and international media.
I grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin. My wife Mary Kay and I live in Boulder Colorado. Previously we lived in Winter Park/Fraser Colorado, St. John US Virgin Islands and several other places.