Dominic Pangborn | Park West Gallery Artist

Artists

Dominic Pangborn (1952–)

Dominic Pangborn is best defined as an “Evolutionist.” He believes that art should reflect a current mood, expression and point in time. Pangborn’s works grow and change in style, medium and subject matter based on that particular period of his life’s experience. The constant element that is intrinsic to his every work is his heritage – a fine balance of eastern and western culture, philosophy and outlook.

Pangborn received his formal education at the prestigious Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, an elite institution that also trained Walt Disney and other luminaries. He started his art career in Chicago before moving to Detroit. Always striving to develop his talents, Pangborn continued his studies at the Illustrators Workshop in Tarrytown, New York, Syracuse University and the executive program at Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. In 2005, Pangborn received an Honorary Doctorate from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan. He is currently an adjunct professor at Lawrence Tech University, and he used to be a professor at the College for Creative Studies (CCS).

Pangborn’s, critically acclaimed, fine art has been published in Playboy and exhibited at galleries and museums across the country and abroad, including at the esteemed Detroit Institute of Art. Collectors the world over have enjoyed adding Pangborn’s artwork into their collections. Currently, his paintings hang on the walls of such notable figures as former President George H.W. Bush, Japanese Ambassador Naoto Amaki, and Richard Blouse, CEO of Detroit Regional Chamber.

Pangborn’s passion and expertise go far beyond fine art. Pangborn is the founder of Pangborn Design, Ltd., an award-winning graphic design and marketing communications agency. He has been called upon to create original and highly-effective solutions to marketing challenges by many Fortune 500 companies, including P&G, Pfizer and Audi. Pangborn has also established his own fashion label, the Pangborn Design Collection. Upon its inception, his accessories became an over-night success as the label was carried by upscale retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and many exclusive boutiques. Today, Pangborn’s art is incorporated into fashion, home décor and other mediums including giclees and fine art prints. His creations have become an American lifestyle. Pangborn has opened his own retail stores, which bear his name – located throughout metropolitan Detroit and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

A fervent believer in giving back to one’s community, Dominic Pangborn has served on the boards of many cultural institutes, community organizations and corporations in the Detroit Area, including: the Detroit Science Center, the Children’s Center of Michigan, ArtServe Michigan, Meadow Brook Theatre, the Michigan Chamber Symphony Orchestra, the International Institute, the American Red Cross, the Detroit Medical Center and Level One Bank. He also donated his resources and talents to various charitable events, such as the Ebony Fashion Fair, the Charles Wright Museum of African-American History, the UNCF Annual Mayors’ Ball, Michigan Hospice, Donate Life and the American Red Cross.

As a Korean adoptee brought to America, Pangborn reflects on the opportunities presented to him and in turn gives passionately of his time, talent and heart. He continues to travel extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia with his wife Delia.

Awards and Achievements

Pangborn has received awards from many prestigious art and design organizations and publications including: Print, CA Communications, Master Eagle Gallery and Renaissance Gallery.

Additionally, he has been honored by the United States Congress, the American Institute of Architecture, the Asian Academy Hall of Fame, the International Institute Hall of Fame, and the Governor of Michigan.