JIM R. ZALEWSKI
Toledo,OH
Summary
Recipient of the Ohio Division of the Arts Opportunity Grant (2021)
Established Artist Grant from the Ohio Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (2024).
"The actual creation of a work of art is a battle of emotions resulting in a feeling of awe and wonder for the finished product."
Jim's work combines various media to create captivating visual experiences, focusing on painting and digital art that tell compelling stories. His skills learned while working in multiple artistic formats have proven vital in shaping his unique artistic voice. His most recent exhibit, "When Pigs Fly," opened in June 2023, symbolizing resilience following personal challenges. Jim's ongoing projects continue to inspire and engage his community in Toledo, OH.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Artist
Self Employed
Toledo, OH
02.1993 - Current
Developed and monetized a diverse portfolio of original artwork.
Oversaw comprehensive business operations, including marketing strategies and customer engagement.
Showcased artistic talent at various esteemed local and global art exhibitions.
Successfully negotiated and closed sales of unique art pieces.
Cultivated and maintained robust client relationships through exceptional interpersonal skills.
Participated in numerous exhibitions and art shows from 1993 to present, including:
1993 Lucas County Gallery of Art, Toledo - 1st Annual Sculpture Show
2005 Boys and Girls Club Ellen Degeneres Wacky Chair Contest
2009 Ohio’s Museum of Arts - 1st Annual Ohio By Hand Masterworks Exhibition
2010 Peninsula Gallery, Lewis - Rehoboth Art League continued Masterworks
2011 Biggs Museum, Dover - "Landscape Competition and Show"
2011-2012 Ohio By Hand Masterworks Exhibition
2013 Toledo Art Loop - "Jim's Studio and Gallery Premier Opening"
2014 Spring Sale at Jim's Studio and Gallery
2016 Toledo Art Loop at LOMA Leasing Office
2019 Rehoboth Art League - 46th Fine Craft Exhibition
2020 "Rise Up" Sculpture Garden during the COVID-19 pandemic
2023 Art Loop "When Pigs Fly" at the Buzz Ware Village Center
Illustrator
Toledo Museum of Art
Toledo, OH
11.1990 - 11.1992
Leveraged advanced Photoshop & Illustrator skills to create compelling visual narratives.
Produced hand-drawn technical inspiration boards to guide project vision.
Provided expert consultation on visual content strategy to client satisfaction.
Managed project priorities and consistently met deadlines.
INTERN
THE DIP ARTIST COLLECTIVE
Monroe, MI
05.1988 - 05.1990
Assisted in creating illustrations using Photoshop and Illustrator along with traditional tools.
Developed basic technical drawing skills to contribute to hand-drawn inspiration boards.
Participated in consultations with clients and art directors to understand visual content requirements.
Learned to manage project priorities and adhere to project timelines.
Explored various art techniques to assist in conveying ideas and stories under guidance.
Education
Bachelor Of Arts - Painting
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OHSkills
Painting
Digital Art
Landscape
Sculpture
Affiliations
My artistic influence comes from Bowling Green State University professors Charles Rowe, Peter Charles, Byron Shurtleff and other Toledo artists that I grew up with: Aurelius Renzetti, Bunni Hurlong, Ash and Mary Burslem, David Smith, the sculptor and abstract expressionists Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Paul Klee, Miro and Salvadore Dali.
Languages
English
Professional Working
Timeline
Visual Artist
Self Employed
02.1993 - Current
Illustrator
Toledo Museum of Art
11.1990 - 11.1992
INTERN
THE DIP ARTIST COLLECTIVE
05.1988 - 05.1990
Bachelor Of Arts - Painting
Bowling Green State University