If you don’t follow Jeff Bates Art you’re missing out. I had the privilege visiting with Jeff a few days ago. We reminisced about our classmates while growing up in Hennessey and art! Jeff told me he went to school in Hennessey 2nd,3rd and 4th grade then came back for the 10th,11th and 12th grade graduating with the class of 1977. Jeff is a sculpture artist crediting his high school FFA teacher for teaching him basic welding. Jeff welded many cattle guards for the oilfield while attending college at Northwestern. He majored in law enforcement and wildlife conservation. After graduation in 1981 Jeff married another Hennessey alum, Janie Nelson. After many road trips to Colorado Jeff and Janie moved to Crested Butt Colorado. Jeff worked for the forest service and law enforcement for a few years but on his days off he welded things in his shop and sold locally. Jeff said by the time their son Shelby was born he took a leap of faith and went into business for himself. Jeff and Jamie moved their small family to a farming community called Fruita, a suburb of Grand Junction Colorado where they reside to this day.Jeff was supplying his art work to 22 stores in the area. His business grew. The city would put a call for local artists to design something that people would remember long after they left. Jeff stepped up to the challenge. Jeff said he had been fortunate to be chosen for several projects which built his portfolio. Then he starts the process studying photos of his subjects. The muscles and preparations. Then the math starts, usually the sculptures are 1.5 life size. Jeff said he is constantly checking the measurements as he welds. He told me even though many of us are hitting retirement, his hitting the strive on making someone’s junk into new life. He gives a throw away and gives it a new form. He said Janie, son Shelby and an 88 year old retired art teacher are his sounding board. They cortique’ the work together which Jeff said he learns something new everyday. I could identify with that. I appreciate our art conversation and I encouraged Jeff and Janie to make a road trip back to Hennessey for one of the all school reunions at The Gathering Place. I enjoyed our visit!
