Austin Area Arts has been blessed by the generosity, talent, and spirit of many people who believed in the power of art and community. Our organization would not be what it is today without those who supported it, shared their gifts, and encouraged others to create. Among those individuals were two artists whose lives became connected through creativity, learning, and friendship: Jim Wegner and Sue Ruzek.

Jim Wegner helped nurture a welcoming artistic community through the weekly open studio hours he facilitated. Those gatherings were more than just time to paint or experiment with materials - they were places to learn, to laugh, and to encourage one another. Even after retiring from a long career in education, Jim never stopped teaching. He continued to share his knowledge generously, guiding others as they explored their own artistic paths. One of those artists was Sue Ruzek.

James Wegner (1930–2021)

Jim (James) Wegner devoted his life to teaching and creating. He taught art at Austin Community College for 28 years and spent another 10 years teaching junior and senior high school students in Austin, Minnesota. Over those decades, he inspired generations of artists.

Jim worked across many mediums - oil, acrylic, watercolor, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and fiber - and received numerous awards for his work. His art can be found in private collections throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. His work has been exhibited in acclaimed institutions including the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Tweed Gallery in Duluth, the MacNider Art Museum in Mason City, and the Rochester Art Center, as well as Austin’s ArtWorks Center and the Albert Lea Art Center.

Yet for many in this community, Jim’s greatest legacy is the encouragement he gave to others.

He once described his work this way:

“Simple forms derived from nature become my primary concern. I like to work directly with my material, allowing the forms to emerge as natural and uncomplicated as possible.”

We are deeply grateful to Jim and Cathy Wegner, for generously donating his work to Austin Area Arts. Proceeds from the sale of these pieces go directly to Austin Area Arts and will help to continue the creative spirit Jim helped cultivate in this community.

Susan Ruzek (1947–2023)

For 37 years, Sue (Susan) Ruzek devoted her career to teaching kindergarten and first grade in the Austin Public School system. Generations of children remember her kindness, patience, and care. When Sue retired, she discovered something new - time to explore her own creativity. What began as a simple hobby soon grew into a true passion. 

Through open studio gatherings, Sue found both friendship and inspiration, learning from the accomplished artist and teacher Jim Wegner. Surrounded by fellow artists and encouraged by Jim’s guidance, her creativity flourished in ways she may never have imagined.

Sue’s family hopes her story inspires others: whether you are still working or already retired, it is never too late to try something new. Creativity can arrive quietly and unexpectedly.

One of Sue’s pieces includes this quote:

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued is always just beyond your grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”

In retirement, Sue did just that - she sat down, picked up a brush, and allowed herself to explore. In doing so, she found joy, connection, and fulfillment. In her case, the butterfly of happiness truly landed.

All of Susan’s paintings are generously on loan from her family, to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks. We are also grateful to Tim Ruzek for sharing memories and information about his mother so that her story can continue to inspire others.