Olive Palmer is a Midwest-based artist who works in multiple media including paint, sculpture, and installation. Palmer was the resident scenic painter at Grand View University Viking Theatre for four years, and a freelance assistant scenic designer for shows at Des Moines Young Artists Theatre and Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Palmer’s interest in space and environments was often explored through these experiences. Their years as a scenic artist in the local theatre community have prepared them well for working alongside other creatives.

They graduated from Grand View University with a BA in Studio Arts and a minor in Theatre in 2023. They won third prize in Grand View University’s annual student art competition in 2022, and Best of Show in 2023.  Palmer attended the Summer Undergraduate Residency Program at the New York Academy of Art, developing their interest in classical painting and sculpture.

Michelangelo has always been Palmer’s favorite ninja turtle because they too use jokes and sarcasm to distract everyone from the fact that they have no idea what they’re doing.