Lisa Marie Thalhammer

Education

Thalhammer received, with honors, her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting with a double minor in Women's Studies and Art History from Staffordshire University in England, and the University of Kansas. Prior, she attended the Chicago Institute of Art at the age of 16, for an art program that focused on figure drawing. After spending time at the Chicago Institute of Art, she realized being an artist was something she wanted to pursue professionally in her life. Thalhammer moved to Washington D.C in 2004. After being introduced to a large array of local artists and inspiring Washingtonians such as James Alefantis - proprietor at Bucks Fish and Camping and Comet Ping Pong in Washington D.C - Thalhammer decided to stay and live in the District.

Career as artist

Thalhammer has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally by various media outlets and publications such as The U.S. News World Report, Washington Post, and the Washington Blade. The Blade featured Thalhammer on its cover in 2008 and nominated her for “best visual artist” in 2013.

Thalhammer is inspired by many women, mentors, fellow artists, and new found appreciation for yoga and its spiritual and healing properties. Painters Max Beckmen and Iona Rezeal Brown have greatly influenced Thalhammer as an artist. She has also been influenced and inspired by Artemisia Gentileschi, a 17th-century painter who was trained by her father and became famous for painting women as the main characters of her narratives.

Thalhammer has exhibited her works at several galleries and places in Washington D.C. such as the Transformer Gallery, and G-Fine Arts Gallery. One of Thalhammer's most notable solo shows was her 2013 "Intimate Network" at The Fridge Gallery in Washington D.C, which included 13 pieces of portraiture and abstract work. In 2010, Thalhammer collaborated with Washington D.C artist Sheila Criter to create a window mural at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center called "Butterfly Speeches."

Boxer Girl mural

Boxer Girl was installed over Memorial Day weekend in 2009 and is located on 1st & W Streets NW in Washington D.C. Boxer Girl was inspired by the women in Thalhammer's life as well as by her observations of women’s interactions with male peers around her community. Boxer Girl was also inspired by Thalhammer's athletic experiences and appreciation for team sports. Boxer Girl is a beacon to all women in the community to remain confident and empowered.

In the process of its creation, Thalhammer interacted with over two hundred community members during the five-day installation period. The mural stirred much conversation about the piece and its role in the neighborhood. Boxer Girl sparked some controversy as members of the neighborhood had mixed reactions to it. In a neighborhood committee meeting, a police officer reported that after the mural, crime in that area had decreased by 55 percent.

In order to create Boxer Girl, Thalhammer applied for a grant from the DC Commission of Arts and Humanities and waited a year to receive it. After receiving the grant, Thalhammer decided to paint Boxer Girl in her own neighborhood, Bloomingdale, Washington D.C, on the side of the home of a long time supporter and friend, Veronica Jackson.