Meet Tim Kranz – Artist and Lecturer II at the University of Michigan-Flint!

Name: Tim Kranz
Title: Lecturer II
Department: Visual Arts and Communication

Classes I teach: Currently, I am teaching Drawing I-Art 131-02, Two-dimensional design-Art 141, Painting-Art 263, Painting or Drawing Processes and Properties-Art 364, Water-based Painting-Art 307, and Oil Painting-Art 309. I have also taught various other drawing and painting courses as well as a general art course (Art 100).

Professional Interests, Activities, Publications or Exhibitions:
Artist Member of Buckham Gallery, Flint, MI. I am also a former member of Buckham’s Board of Directors. I am beginning to show my work frequently again after a couple of years off. Most of my exhibitions have been in Michigan, one in Chicago. I would like to start showing more regionally and nationally.

You can view Tim’s artwork online at http://timkranz.com

Research or Specific Areas of Interest:
Human psychology, particularly anthropomorphism. I am also interested in how people view artwork; what they take from it, what it takes to make them slow down and appreciate it, etc.

Awards:
No recent, significant awards. Several Golden Apples and voted as one of the Flint area’s favorite artists by My City Magazine.

Degree(s)/Education:
B.F.A – The University of Michigan-Flint 2001.
M.F.A. – Kendall College of Art and Design 2010.

Memberships:
Artist Member of Buckham Gallery, Flint, MI. I am also a former member of Buckham’s Board of Directors.

How I fell in love with my field:
I took painting as an Art Education elective here at UM-Flint with Mike Sevick in 1998. Everything about it has appealed to me since; the history, craft, approaches, pushing myself, different ways of conveying messages, etc.

What I hope for my time at UM-Flint:
To reach as many students as possible and inspire them while continually being inspired by them as well.

What I hope for students in my field:
I want them to learn that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can allow them to be successful in any field. I also want them to feel like the things I teach them had an impact on their careers, lives, and ways of seeing the world.

Three things you should know about me:
I am a UM-Flint alum, with a minor in Art History. I have a painting studio in Buckham Alley in downtown Flint. My teaching and art making are starting to affect each other.

Tim will be exhibiting his works in a solo exhibition of his past, present, and future works at the UCEN Fine Art Gallery at UM-Flint. The exhibit opens on Friday, January 9th from 5pm-8pm and will remain open weekdays until January 23rd. For more information, email [email protected].