Let’s get to know the artist:
Mark Zimmerman
Mark Zimmerman is a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana. Mark’s undergraduate degree is art education at Indiana State University and his first job was teaching junior high and elementary art for the Michigan City Area Schools. A career change resulted in Mark transitioning from education into the business world specializing in human resource management and executive recruitment. In addition to his Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Indiana State University, Mark has also earned an Associate of Arts in Business from Purdue University North Central and a Master of Arts in Behavioral Science from Valparaiso University.
Mark’s grandmother, an artist and musician, influenced his early interest in art and always encouraged him to continue his artwork. Retirement provided Mark with an opportunity to return to his artistic roots and has become a very prolific watercolorist creating beautiful paintings for his family, friends and the community organizations.
His artwork has received awards at the Art Barn’s Annual Art Exhibition in 2022 and 2023, as well as the Berrien Artist Guild’s Exhibition in St. Joseph, Michigan. Mark has donated several watercolor paintings as part of The Caring Place’s “Art with Heart” Gala, Memorial Opera House Fundraising Event, Lori Smile’s Annual Gala and Indiana State University’s Alumni Association. Mark’s paintings are permanently displayed at various locations throughout Northwest Indiana, such as the Memorial Opera House, Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Indiana, Ivy Tech Community College, Valparaiso Public Library, The Caring Place and Gamba Ristorante.
An enthusiastic volunteer in the community, Mark donates his time and talent to area organizations including the VNA Hospice Meals on Wheels, United Way Northwest Indiana and The Art Barn. Mark resides in Valparaiso with his wife, Gloria. They enjoy volunteering, travel and spending time with their sons David and Jonathan, and their five grandchildren.
1. Where are you from?
Resident of Valparaiso for the past 40 years, but I was born in LaPorte, Indiana.
2. How did you begin your art journey?
My art journey started in my teen years with my grandmother, an artist, having a major influence. I majored in Art Education at Indiana State University and taught middle/elementary school art in the Michigan City Area Schools. When my school was closed I switched careers to human resource management for the remainder of my career. My art journey kicked back into gear over the past few years in my retirement!
3. What inspires you?
My family, friends and community inspire me. I enjoy creating artwork that has a special meaning or cause for individuals or an organization. I especially enjoy seeing my artwork being auctioned to raise funds for non-profit organizations in the area.
4. Does your piece always end up looking like the idea that inspired you?
Working from my photographs, my watercolor paintings generally reflect the subject matter with variations of form and color
5. Do you have a favorite music/artist/genre while working on a piece?
While I’ll listen to music while working on a piece, I usually get into a zone, and block the outside world.
6. Most artists are creative in many ways, what is your favorite?
I especially enjoy creating watercolor paintings and photography.
7. Do you have a favorite piece of your work and why?
I’d have to say that one of my favorite pieces is a watercolor of Gamba Ristorante’s courtyard. It was commissioned to celebrate the 70th birthday of the restaurant’s owner, which had a very special meaning for him, his friends and family.
8. Does your art help with other areas of your life?
My artwork has enriched my life by creating so many new relationships with my family, individuals and organizations. I especially enjoy seeing my artwork on display in friends’ and relatives’ homes and area establishments.
9. How do you define success as an artist?
I define my own success as an artist when the work that I enjoy creating is appreciated by or benefits others.
10. How can people who are interested in your work contact you?
