Olwen was born in Dublin Ireland and emigrated with her family to the United States. She grew up in Malibu California. Her primary inspirations in art are Mary Cassatt, Richard Diebencorn, and Winslow Homer. Olwen paints images in oil and watercolor of the West of Ireland, as well as, North Chester where she lives in the Berkshire mountains. She is also a printmaker in Intaglio and is a Member of the Zea Mays Printmaking Studio. Olwen is also a member of the National Association of Women Artists.
Olwen’s paintings are in Private Collections in the United States and Europe. In recent years, she has exhibited at The James Joyce Gallery and The Hallward Gallery in Dublin, Ireland; Smith College Alumnae Gallery, Hosmer Gallery Northampton MA ; The Watkins Gallery Northampton MA; Olwen’s intaglio artwork is represented by the Zea Mays Flat File Project and her recent print work has been represented in group shows at the APE Gallery in Northampton and The Ferrin Gallery Pittsfield, Massachusetts. At the Lenox Gallery Massachusetts Olwen received Honorable Mention in the Fem in Art Show. Olwen has also worked for over two decades in the professional theatre. She has designed scenery and backcloths for theatrical productions. For the past 20 years, Olwen has been producer, managing director, production manager and stage manager for professional theatrical institutions, as well as, director of The Northampton Center for the Arts. She graduated as a Studio Art Major with a minor in Biology from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Olwen has also studied at the L’Ecole d’Art, Vallauris, France and the Sun Valley Arts Program in Hailey, Idaho. Olwen is currently represented by her own gallery in North Chester Massachusetts and works as an arts consultant. Olwen lived for ten years in Cleveland Ohio where she was Production Manager at The Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival and helped move the company downtown Cleveland to Playhouse Square..