"Art has the power to connect people on a deep emotional level, and I strive to make work that allows the viewer to find moments that speak to them".

For Cheryl, the journey from a child finding joy in drawing to a corporate creative leader, and finally to a full-time fine artist, has been defined by a passion for visual storytelling. Whether capturing the "essence and sensitivity" of a portrait subject or the "abstracted twist" of a nature scene, her goal remains constant: to make a positive impact through art. Cheryl enjoys creating and exploring a variety of direction where she continues to push her practice in her SODO area studio in Seattle, Wa. cheryllzahniser@gmail.com
206 817-0711

SELECTD SOLO & FEATURED EXHIBITIONS

2026 Alki Arts Gallery May & October show

2025 Alki Arts Gallery May & Oct group show

2024 Gary Bocz Salon solo show March-May

2023 Alki Arts Gallery reunion show West Seattle  Feb

2023 Alki Arts show West Seattle June

2020 ArtX Contemporary SENUS 2020 group show March/April

2020 Capers Group Blue show. Jan/Feb 

2020 Brighter Future, Ethnic heritage gallery, Jan

2020 Brighter Future. Seattle Arts & Culture Nov

2019 Brace Point Gallery Seattle Wa. March

2018 Capers Sept/Oct Abstract show

2018 Wood River Valley Studio Artist Tour Sun Valley ID Aug 18-19th

2018 Micheal Birawer Seattle, Wa. July

2018 Brother Joes, solo Seattle Wa. April

2018 Micheal Birawer Gallery, Seattle, Wa Feb

2018 Alexis Hotel Gallery, Seattle Jan

2017 Group Abstract show Capers, Seattle Dec-jan

2017 Art Windows Bremerton, solo WA May-Aug.

2017 Vela solo exhibit "High Art" Seattle WA May-June

2017 Jars Juice Abstract solo show/Seattle WA May-July

2017 Alki Arts Black History Month/ seattle Wa

2016 Capers Sept/Oct show Seattle Wa

2016 Mayors Gallery solo show (May) City Hall, Seattle. WA 

2016 Alki Arts Black History Month Seattle WA.

2015 Alki Arts on !st Ave, Seattle, WA.

2014 Capers Seattle ( Sept/Oct)

2014 Pilchuck Glass School Gallery, Stanwood, Wa.

2014 Alki Arts at the Harbor Steps, Seattle, Wa.

2014 Capers Seattle

2014 Far 4 Seattle Wa.

2013 Alki Arts, July Seattle, Wa.

2013 Alki Arts, Black History Month. Seattle, Wa.

2012 Far 4, Nov. Seattle, Wa.

2012 Alki Arts Gallery, Seattle Wa. 

2009-2012 Museo Gallery , Langley Wa. 

2012 Blue Heron Gallery Vashon Island, Wa. 

2012 Dulces Bistro, solo show Seattle, Wa 

2011 Caper's, Seattle, Wa.

2010 Ezmaralda Gordon Gallery solo, Sun Valley, Idaho.

2010 Rosen Gallery, Seattle Wa. 

2009 Steel Gallery, Seattle, Wa.

INVITATIONALS/EVENTS

2014-2026 Wing Luke Museum Live Auction

2025 Islandwood Auction Bainbridge, WA

2024 Artist trust Auction

2023 Pratt Auction

2010-2018 Pilchuck Glass Auction

2013 Museo Gallery, Langley Wa. 

2012 Aritist Trust Auction

2011 Horizon House Studio tour/Portrait demonstration

2009 Pilchuck Glass Auction Live Auction item

PUBLIC COMMISSION & LARGE SCALE PROJECTS

2019 Site-specific Mural for Cafe D'Arte North Terminal Sea Tac Airport.

2016. Seattle Gov. acquired landscape painting

AWARDS

2016. James W Ray nominee 

2016- Seattle.gov ethnic roster artist. 

2012-14 Storefront Seattle ( amazon campus Mar.)

2009 Corning Award nominee at Pilchuck Glass School

2008 Best-of-Gage-Academy 3rd Place, portrait category

AFFILIATIONS

University of Oregon Emeritus Board of Advisors 2014-2016, board chair 2012-2014

Pilchuck Glass school Board member 2008-2011