Phillip Lichtenhan was born in Tucson Arizona in 1952. He is the son of Franklin Lichtenhan from Germantown New York, a cabinet maker and carpenter in Tucson since the 1940’s. His mother Lois Middleton Lichtenhan, born in Nogales, Arizona was schooled at Tucson High and the University of Arizona minoring in art. She managed Eloise estate sales in the 70’s and 80’s. Phil received his talent in art from his mother and his love of craft from his father.
Phil’s early teachers remember him as a student who approached an art project from a different perspective, exploring technique in a unique way. In high school Phil took as many art classes he could fit into his schedule. Perhaps his most important influence was Gerry Wolfe, an art teacher at Rincon High in Tucson, who opened Phil’s eyes to the wonder of modern and contemporary art.
Phil attended Northern Arizona University in 1970, taking seventy hours of art on his way to an extended degree in art education. Bruce Horn and Dick Beasley were his most influential teachers at this time. He then taught art at Salpointe High School from 1974 to 1978. Phil returned to school at the University of Arizona studying printmaking under Lynn Schroeder and Wayne Enstice. He explored intaglio viscosity relief collagraphs; a highly technical process that Phil pushed to very expressive levels, producing jewel-like color from loosely made organic plates. He was master printer at at the university Press-time Studio, printing for a variety of professional artists including Sam Scott and Jim Waid. Phil received his MFA in printmaking in 1981.
Sedona, Arizona then became Phil’s home after accepting a teaching position at Verde Valley School, a private boarding school twelve miles from Sedona. Verde Valley School is a self-contained community, secluded and surrounded by acres of forest service land. Phil continued to make art while teaching full- time, running up to Flagstaff often to use the printing facilities at NAU, at the invitation of Bruce Horn, professor of art. While at Verde Valley School Phil was able to dabble in acting and stage design. He directed the on-site Avery Gallery bringing in shows from across the country. He led native American field trips that included developing relationships with the Hopi, Zuni and Navaho people.
His hometown calling, Phil returned to Tucson in 1987. He worked with local sculptor and U of A professor John Heric, then returned to Salpointe High School in 1988 to teach art and humanities until May 2001. He loved the teaching process, especially the interaction with the students and the constant surprises they offer. Phil now works full time in the studio.
Phil is a multi-media artist. He sculpts with found materials and clay. He paints with watercolor and acrylic. His subjects are from nature: nests, landscapes, birds, figures, and abstractions inspired by the natural world.
Phil’s art can be found throughout the United States in both public and private collections, including the University of Arizona Museum of Art, the Tucson Museum of Art, Bradley University Museum of Art, The Shemer Art Museum, and the Ansel Adams estate to name a few. His work is represented in eight commercial galleries across the nation.
Phil is an accomplished musician and with his friends produces interpretive covers, and evocative rhythmical improvisations. He sings plays guitar, bass, piano, and percussion.
Phil’s partner for 47 years is his wife Hollis Hemingway. She was a high school guidance counselor, now retired. Their sons Bryon, age 42 and Logan 40 are creative, intelligent and fun to be with.
