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James Wegner (1930-2021)

 

James Wegner was born in Paynesville, Minnesota, on July 25, 1930. He attended school in Paynesville and graduated in 1948. Jim went on to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth, graduating in 1953 with a degree in art education and a minor in social studies.

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Jim then served two years in the United States Army, putting his artistic talents to use by brush lettering maneuver charts for the 7th Army headquarters. After his honorable discharge from the service, he began a teaching position in Chisholm.

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Jim continued his education at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he received a master's degree in painting and art history.  His formal education also included study with legendary masters, including Richard Diebenkorn, Max Weber, Dong Kingman, Millard Sheets, Carl Morris, and Cheng Kee Chee.

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In 1956, Jim accepted a position in Austin, which was the start of a 38-year career. He spent 10 years with Austin Public Schools and 28 years with Riverland Community College, where the art gallery is named after him.

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Jim’s work is in numerous private collections around the world.  His artwork is also part of the permanent collections at the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Tweed Gallery in Duluth, Mason City McNeider Museum, Rochester Art Center, Austin Area Art Center, and the Albert Lea Art Center.

He received awards for his work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and fiber.  Jim passed away in 2021.

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