Jim Tanner, a celebrated figure in the art community, passed away this month at the age of 84 after a battle with prostate cancer. He is remembered by former colleagues and students for his versatility and innovative spirit that shaped the dynamic art department at Minnesota State University (MSU) from 1968 until his retirement in 2003.
Tanner’s impact on MSU was profound. According to former colleague Roy Strassberg, Tanner was a true “Renaissance man,” excelling as a printmaker, painter, ceramicist, glass blower, and sculptor. Strassberg described him as “smart, articulate, and brave,” noting that their friendship, forged in a predominantly white and Christian environment, allowed them to support one another and strengthen their artistic community.
Their collaboration became a hallmark of MSU’s art program, which gained national recognition for its ceramics department. Strassberg recalled, “We were known nationally as a great ceramics program within a very good art department.” Graduates from this program frequently gained acceptance into top art graduate schools with full scholarships, a testament to the foundation Tanner and Strassberg established.
Alumna KellyJean Ohl, who studied under Tanner and Strassberg from 1995 to 2000, reflected on her experiences, stating, “These two have left an indelible mark on my life.” Ohl emphasized that her studio practice was influenced by their commitment to hard work and continuous exploration. She described Tanner as “utterly unique and inspiring,” praising his dedication to the personal development of his students.
Tanner encouraged students to find their own artistic voice rather than merely replicating his techniques. Strassberg noted that Tanner drew inspiration from his life experiences, believing that personal expression should be authentic.
In his first year at MSU, Brian Frink was nominated for a McKnight Distinguished Artist Award. During his final interview, he unexpectedly encountered Tanner, who was also a finalist. Frink admitted to feeling intimidated, thinking Tanner would surely win the award, but both artists ended up being honored. This began a lasting professional relationship, with Frink learning much from Tanner during the final years of his tenure.
Frink remarked on Tanner’s deep connection to the landscapes of southern Minnesota, which influenced his art. He described Tanner’s studio, which he shared with his wife, Janice, as “unique and wonderful,” embodying the creative spirit of the region. The couple’s home was surrounded by inspiring landscapes that shaped Tanner’s artistic vision, which was also informed by his African American heritage.
Tanner’s roots in Jacksonville, Florida, were significant to his work. He often spoke about how his grandmother’s garden and family traditions shaped his understanding of art. In an interview with Mary Savig for the Archives of American Art in October 2011, Tanner shared that his family played a crucial role in his artistic development, stating, “I just knew this (art) was going to be what I wanted to do because my aunt taught me a few things.”
Tanner’s educational journey included a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University in 1964, followed by a master’s degree in 1966 and an MFA in 1967 from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. There, he studied under renowned glass artist Harvey Littleton and showcased his work in prestigious glass exhibitions until 1972. He received recognition through a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Craft Council. His works are part of esteemed collections, including the Renwick Gallery and the Museum of Art and Design in New York City.
Frink highlighted Tanner’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the MSU art program, saying, “He was also an innovator. And he was quite an experimenter.” Strassberg recounted memorable moments that exemplified Tanner’s creative approach, including an incident where Tanner used firecrackers in a ceramic piece, resulting in unique holes that inspired new artistic directions.
In another instance, Tanner faced a setback when a kiln mishap melted his creations. Rather than despair, he transformed the fragments into an innovative installation, showcasing his resilience and creativity. Strassberg remarked, “It was amazing,” capturing the spirit of Tanner’s artistic legacy.
As the art community mourns the loss of Jim Tanner, his influence will continue to resonate through the lives of those he inspired and the enduring excellence of the programs he helped build at Minnesota State University.
