The Awakening
In 1992 the Calhouns took a 17-day vacation to Glacier National
Park, Montana. While on that trip, Jim was inspired by the beauty
of the mountains and streams of the west. An unplanned visit to
the home and studio of Charles M. Russell (Great Falls, MT) surprised
Jim. He points to that day as the impetus to purchase his first
canvases and paints, as well as fly rods and reels. Other artists
that have influenced Jim are: Monet, Sargent, Vuillard, and Homer.
Adding Life to Life
Jim started long-distance running shortly before his 43rd birthday
in the fall of 1996. Just steps from his back door is a scenic trail
that meanders along the Des Moines River.
“Even before I’m out of town, the serenity is
enthralling… blue-sky…birds…the play of sunlight
on trees and water. The great Artist delights all my senses. The
time (and I’m a very slow runner) is a complete spirit,
soul and body refreshing”.
Respect and Appreciation for Life
“My first love in life is my relationship with Jesus
Christ. He has made life full and meaningful in every way.”
Jim lives in Des Moines, Iowa with his wife, Sue. They have two
adult children, Josh and Meredith. Sue is gifted in the culinary
arts. She is known for the blue ribbons she wins at the Iowa State
Fair cooking competitions.
Combining their passions for food and art, Jim and Sue selected
Italy to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary September 22 –
October 4, 2002.
“We read Irving Stone’s “The Agony and
the Ecstasy” before we went on the trip. It has become one
of my favorite books. We noted all the locations of Michelangelo’s
sculptures and enjoyed making them, and the Sistine Chapel, focal
points of our time in Florence and Rome.”
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Jim in his
Des Moines Studio
Jim & Sue at 2002
Blue Stream Studio Opening
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