 Dream Christmas Cabin From the large historic murals commissioned to hang in the Oklahoma Capitol Building, to creating the colorful and proud Simba on Pride Rock for The Lion King soundtrack packaging, a wide range of projects have coursed through Mike Wimmer’s Norman studio over the past 25 years. He has worked for some of the largest corporations in the world, (Celestial Seasonings, American Airlines, Procter & Gamble, Disney, Kimberly Clark, and more) and just about every major publisher in the United States. Mike finds his greatest artistic pleasure, however, in creating images for his many award winning children's books and fine art prints. "They allow me to have the final say so in the creative process. It is still very much like being that little boy lying on the floor with an empty drawing pad and a full box of crayons."
After growing up in Muskogee, where his parents were very supportive of his artistic talent, Wimmer was enrolled in the University of Oklahoma when the opportunity to work with Don Ivan Punchatz at his famous Sketch Pad Studio in Arlington, Texas availed itself. Working there as an apprentice for two and a half years, Mike learned the business end of illustrating while also learning the painting techniques and working methods of many of the local Dallas illustrators. Afterwards Mike moved back to Norman where he set up his studio to begin his life as an illustrator and artist. He soon had a full portfolio, and it wasn’t long before a whirlwind tour of New York brought about work on a more national scale, with an ever broadening audience since. Mike is excited that he has been invited to visit the White House this month! Closer to home, Mike’s paintings to illustrate "Will Rogers" (written by Governor Frank Keating) were recently acquired and included in a new gallery at the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore. “To have my paintings included in the memorial is a huge honor for me. That I can in anyway be associated with this great man's memory and legacy is truly an honor.” says Wimmer. Currently, Mike is working towards an MFA at The Limited Residency MFA In Illustration at the University of Hartford Art School. For additional information on Mike and his work locally and nationally, visit http://www.mikewimmer.com/frame-about.html. The Winterfest Art Walk, scheduled from 6:00 to 10:00 pm on Friday, December 5, includes galleries, studio’s and businesses featuring original art in Norman’s Downtown Arts District. At the Depot, The Norman Singers will provide live music beginning at 6:30. Keyboard artist Heather Nelson will entertain with jazz and holiday selections from 8:00 to 9:30 pm. There will be refreshments throughout the evening. Be sure to register for door prizes. The Performing Arts Studio and several other participants will also be open Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Gallery exhibitions at The Performing Arts Studio are made possible in part by grants from Norman Arts Council, Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Gallery hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1:00 to 5:00 most Sunday’s. For additional information phone 405-307-9320. |
