Dalene May Osterkamp

Dalene was born December 1, 1932 to Bernice LaGrange Simmons and James Simmons. She died December 27, 2016, after a long battle with Lupus. She married Donald Osterkamp during the Korean War. Shortly after their marriage, Don returned to Korea and was killed in action, which compelled Dalene to join the Air Force. She was stationed in Hawaii where she served as a control tower operator at Jickam Field Honolulu.She returned to California to study at Monterey Peninsula College, earning her Degree in Art and later the California School of Arts and Crafts. She received her Masters Degree from San Jose State University. Leaving a position as Instructor of Art at San Jose City College she accepted a position as Art Professor and Womens Studies Professor at Bakersfield College. She was also a Lecturer for the University of California Santa Barbara Extension, teaching leaded glass at her Glennville studioDalene Osterkamp PH.D professor emerita of Bakersfield College was the innovator of the majority of the art facilities and associations for the larger exposure of art to the Kern County Community.1962 co-founded the Kern Art Education Association along with Margerite Lienard Walker, professor emerita, C.S.U.B1963 co-founded the Seven Arts Gallery, the first private gallery and private teaching facility in Bakersfield.1963-1969 Gallery Director, Bakersfield College1964 co-founded the YWCA gallery on H street, -the first offering of an art gallery and tea room in Bakersfield.1965 co-founded the Guild House Gallery on F st, with June Stiern as Guild House Director.1989 The first to publish research in the area of gender difference that studied preferences of choice in subject matter and configurations using art images produced over 20 years by Bakersfield College students. It has been proven that it has contributed to the empirical knowledge and literature which is now prevalent in the field of understanding genders.This research was presented by Dr. Osterkamp throughout the United States at six national and international conferences.She was the invited speaker for Bakersfield College's 75th anniversary.Dalene was a member of the California Society of Printmakers, Who's who of American Women and The American Cultural Arts Registry.She received a Doctorate in Psychology and Consciousness studies, from Saybrook Institute San Fransisco Ca.She authored several research publications. Her art was exhibited at many museums around the country including Seattle, Portland, Oakland, Davenport, Philadelphia, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Recently one of her prints was chosen to be archived in the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.Her biography includes the Archives on Women Artists, The National Museum of Women in the Arts Washington, D.C. and the invitational editions of Marquis' Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Science and Engineering, and is included in the White House Millennium Time Capsule.Dalene had a voracious curiosity for all world cultures and traveled the world extensively.Her latest project was writing a book chronicling the travesty of the water contamination in her beloved village of Glennville.One of Dalene's former students Michele Cattani is quoted as saying: "Dalene was better than any excellent teacher and supported me during and after my graduation from B.C."Survived by her sister Vera Schumacher, niece Cheryl Hoyt and her son Jeff, nephew Jim Schumacher and daughters, Lisa, Michelle and her daughter Layla. Cousins include Maridel Albrecht, Nile LaGrange, Judy Reber and Rogen Clemons. She is also survived by Margaret Johansen.At Dalene's request, there will be no services.