Burnsville Teacher Puts Up Solo Art Show

It's been over 20 years, but the day has finally come: Burnsville Art Teacher Tim Hammes has his own show.

"It's a momentous occasion,"  Hammes said. 

Hammes earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota in Duluth, where he had his last solo show as a student. Since that time, Hammes has been featured in group shows. His work has graced the annual art fete for the Burnsville Visual Arts Society and events held by Minnesota Valley Photographers.

However, he has not had his own show until now. Hammes has devoted most of his life to instructing others. He has been with the school district for over 20 years. Hammes also teaches adults for the district's community education program.

Hammes, who believes real life experience is important for students, has had a longstanding relationship with the . For the last 15 years, the frame shop has generously provided space for student displays.

"They're a great help," Hammes said. "We were talking last year about the summer artist spotlights they planned to do. They told me they would be happy to do it whenever I was willing and able."

In spring, Hammes decided to go for it. Hammes is a man of many mediums. He works with paint, pottery and digital photography as well. This month, Hammes' work went up.

The exhibition is called "Hearts and Flowers." 

The photos at the Great Frame Up depict dew-spotted iris, columbine and dahlias. Hammes said he was inspired by the work of Georgia O'Keefe and his grandmother, a talented gardener, in equal measure. Hammes said he produces the photos to remind viewers of the  "richness of the natural world," something that is often overlooked in the harried bustle of modern life.

The paintings are rendered in acrylic and all follow a heart motif, a symbol Hammes has worked with for over 20 years.

"I remember how it was when I was in art school: I wasn't sure what to do. Then I saw Jim Dine's paintings and it showed me that a simple motif can be powerful," Hammes said.

Hammes adopted the heart as his own. Since that time, Hammes has focused on the heart and all its variations, though his work also shows the influence of abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock.

"I paint in very loose splatters, with syringes or pallet knives and other things," Hammes said. 

Anyone who wishes to see Hammes' work can view it at the Great Frame Up, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 10 to 6 on Saturday. The shop is closed on Sundays.