Walter Piehl, Jr. of Minot, North Dakota, is known for his vibrant, expressionistic western-themed paintings that capture the energy of rodeo, especially of the horse and rider. Piehl, a rodeo participant himself, applies his painting in an abstract expressionist style. His drawing on the surface of the painting suggests the motion and action of horse and rider. His work proudly portrays North Dakota’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Piehl received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. He earned both a Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Piehl

has taught art at Dickinson High School, University of Minnesota, Mayville State College, Valley City University, and retired from a nearly 50-year career at Minot State University.

His paintings which demonstrate a unique blend of western and contemporary artistic styles, have been shown at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Museum of the American Cowboy, Boise State University Gallery, the Art Museum of Missoula, and the Yellowstone Art Museum. Among his many honors and awards is the 2008 Enduring Visions Award for his creativity, connection to community and impressive body of work from the Bush Foundation, a private foundation serving Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Piehl was one of three people selected for the prestigious $100,000 award and described it as the highlight of his art career.

In October 2022, Walter Piehl, Jr. was named an ICON artist of The Capital Gallery for his longevity as an artist, the quality of his work, his contributions to the Gallery, and his far-reaching impact on the

world of art.