Olin Yoder was born in the mountains of Western Maryland. His lineage was Amish-Mennonite. His father, a farmer, had a passion for carving and sketching. Olin's first memories are of his father's sketches on the back of oil cloth. This became a great influence in Olin's life.
Olin attended Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, on a football scholarship. Here he recieved his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Education.
He returned to Maryland and began teaching art in public schools. Olin was the 1990 Teacher of the Year in Anne Arundel County and a State Finalist. In 2001 Olin recieved an "Annie" award from Anne Arundel County for his contribution to the arts.
At the present time Olin is an Art Instructor at Catonsville Community College.
They awarded Olin a Masters of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland.
Olin's has had a number of one man shows and has been included in innumerbale jured exhibits. His work is in private and corporate collections. Olin has had gallery affiliations in Cumberland, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Alexandria, Virginia.
Olin's subject matter is varied and eclectic. He scours flea markets for assorted objects, journeys throughout Baltimore City looking for street scenes, paints everyday people, and finds something to paint as he travels the world. Olin tries to make the mundane monumental.
Through the years Olin's color has become more brilliant and intense. After years of experimenting with a variety of mediums he now paints only in oils.
Olin maintains a studio in Lithicum, Maryland. For additional information he can be contacted at 410-789-9558.
