Lynn Kaatz, perhaps Ohio’s most famous and awarded wildlife artist, is retiring and a lifetime of his original paintings will be available to collectors at unheard of prices during a special exhibit and sale, opening September 28 and 29, at Mentor’s Gallery One.
Laughing, Lynn confesses to being something of a hoarder. “For years, I’ve retained ownership of hundreds of my original paintings...using my images for licensing purposes and refusing to sell the originals at any price. But now that I am 67 years old, I realize it is time make this vast inventory available to my collectors.”
The Lynn Kaatz collection is composed of wildlife, songbirds, landscapes, seascapes, puppies and adult dogs, sporting scenes and Americana. Many images have been replicated in plates, figurines and fine prints. Now, working with Gallery One, Kaatz has come up with a unique plan to celebrate his retirement.
“Even my most cherished images will be displayed and for sale...and I have asked Gallery One to price items in an extremely affordable manner as a special thank-you to my print and collectible buyers of the last few decades.”
The Lynn Kaatz Retirement Exhibition will continue through October. Original paintings, collector plates and limited edition prints will be on display and for sale.
While Kaatz, who now lives is Florida, insists he is retiring, he has no plans to sell his paints and brushes. “I admit that I will continue to paint special commissions and scenes from my southern surroundings and, of course, I will continue my interests as a life-long conservationist.”
Kaatz can look back on a distinguished career that began in 1968 when he graduated first in his class from Cleveland’s prestigious Cooper School of Art. After a few years in California’s commercial art scene, he began a full-time career as a fine artist, racking up numerous awards. He is a two-time winner of the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp Competition and a winner of the Kentucky Duck Stamp Competition. Numerous honors from Ducks Unlimited, Bradford Exchange, and scores of prestigious exhibitions are listed in his resume. He has long been a Gallery One favorite.
The Lynn Kaatz Retirement Exhibition will open Friday, September 28, with Kaatz in attendance from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kaatz will speak informally at 7 p.m. Kaatz will also be present on Saturday, September 29, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Parking and admission are free.
The exhibition will continue through October 27.