From Pierre to Wenatchee

Reese's paintings have been described as having the qualities of "good, strong color, excellent draftsmanship, uncluttered composition, and appealing subject matter." Reese's philosophy is "that a work of art is nothing more or less than the sharing of a feeling or experience. This must be done on a very personal level to be fine art. I've found the greatest satisfaction, as far as my own work is concerned, in the reflection of my own surroundings and interests."

Born in Pierre, South Dakota on July 10, 1938, William F. Reese began drawing and painting cows and horses at an early age. After attending Washington State University, he married Fran who essentially became his highly intuitive business counselor. In the early 1960s he moved to Los Angeles, California to attend Art Center School of Design at night. During the day he painted signs for a living.

In 1966 Reese and his family, which now included two children, returned to Washington. After a near death experience due to a ruptured appendix in 1970, he determined to pursue an art career and quit the sign painting business. Having been awarded the Childe Hassam Award in 1967, Reese had his first major exhibition at the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, Washington in 1972.

Reese began his long association with this museum in 1977 as a guest artist at the National Academy of Western Art Annual Exhibition. During the late 1970s and early 1980s he traveled extensively with other artists to Mexico, Spain, France, Holland, and China. He has had numerous one-man shows and has garnered numerous awards for his work. He has also educated many students through his art workshops and demonstrations.

In 1994 Reese restored an historic building for his gallery and studio in downtown Wenatchee, Washington where he continues to paint and sculpt. For more about Reese's life and career read Wm. F. Reese by Mary N. Balcomb. The Research Center also holds two recent interviews with Reese in its collections.