FEATURES

HOLT artist hanging at The Bell

Monday, 10 February 2014 20:01

Did we say that right? We're not real sophisticated about artsy-fartsy stuff around here, but we know one thing beyond a doubt: Jim Rataczak's extraordinary art has indelibly branded Heart of the Lakes as the quintessential Minnesota triathlon. A bird specialist, Jim has created an original painting for the race every year since 1998. "Jim is exquisitely humble for such an extraordinarily talented artist. We know that athletes look forward every year to seeing what new art Jim has created for our race," says HOLT Director Jeff Holmberg. For many, their collection of "bird shirts" from HOLT is as much a gallery as a memento... 

If you haven't been to the U's Bell Museum in a while, viewing even more of Jim's birds is a great reason to go now. His showing "From the Field: Bird Paintings by Jim Rataczak" is at Bell's Jacques Gallery through February 23. Gallery exhibits are free with admission to the Bell, and on Sundays the entire Museum is free. You can bring the family, and wear one of your HOLT shirts!

Thirty or so of Jim's oils and watercolors are on display, as are some of his field sketchbooks. We are really excited to see some of Jim's originals and hope you will come see them, too. Or even just drop Jim a line to let him know how you feel about his contribution to Minnesota's tri culture.

You can view the entire HOLT gallery of his work here.

Jim is currently featured on the cover of the Annadale Advocate. You can read part of his profile here (although you'll have to subscribe to read it all).