Welcome to Absolute Gallery!

In Memorium
John Balks
1916-2012

JohnBalk_2012

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Balks; a beloved artist and man.

Balks was born in Tadaiki, Latvia on October 26, 1916; the youngest of five (5) brothers. He was in attendance at the Latvian State University when what was to become World War II broke out in Europe.

In 1944, Russia, under Stalin's grasp, and Hitler's Germany dealt a blow to the people of the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia by overtaking these counties to enhance their world domination. Latvia's capital city of Riga has the only seaport which does not freeze during the winter months, thus making it an asset to any country seeking a presence in world trade.

John Balks along with his brother, sister-in-law and two (2) nieces were forced into a D.P. Camp (Displaced Persons Camp). Balks, his older brother and his brothers' family were among those Latvians placed in Germany, while the remaining Balks' brother was to remain in the Russian dominated Latvia. The Balks family remained in the Valka, Germany D.P. Camp until 1949. Balks immigrated to Michigan in 1949.

John J. Balks is a self-taught artist, though he did complete an I.C.S. Art Course via mail in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1959. He had developed his own bold style and technique in transparent watercolor. Balks work reflects his love of nature and of the sea. Memories of his native country of Latvia and its capital of Riga, the Baltic Sea, fishing villages, homesteads and boats are featured into his paintings.

Balks work has been featured in numerous publications, including LA Revue Moderne des art et de la vie (French Art Journal in Paris, France); the Latvian Journal Treji Varti and the Latvian Newspaper Laiks.

Condolences may be shared on-line at www.joldersma-klein.com. Absolute Gallery will also be collecting memories of John for the family. Please feel free to share your memories via email to us at absolutegallery@absolutegallery.net.

We have uploaded two (2) videos of John Balks to YouTube. Please take a moment to view them: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkOFl9iqgGM and http://youtu.be/De_E60SSjYQ.

Come visit the showroom for Bradly's Home and Garden, now at Absolute Gallery!

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About Us

Absolute Gallery, located in the heart of Lansing's Old Town District, features an eclectic assortment of art for all tastes and budgets. With exhibits changing monthly, Absolute Gallery maintains a collection of art representing local, state, national and international artists. With an ever-changing supply of original art, giclees and prints, all art needs can be met. Absolute Gallery is also proud to have over 4,000 frames to select from. We are proud to be the People's Choice Winner for Art Gallery and Custom Frame Shop. Come visit Absolute Gallery for that unique art, framing, gift or card. Absolute Gallery- Absolutely!

Absolute Gallery offers computerized mat cutting with many custom and creative designs and styles. Come in and talk to us to see what we can do for you!

Upcoming Events: January 2012 1: New Year's Day 6: Lansing First Friday 8: First Sunday Gallery Walk February 3: Lansing First Friday 5: First Sunday Gallery Walk 14: Valentine's Day March 2: Lansing First Friday 4: First Sunday Gallery Walk			In Memorium John Balks 1916-2012 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Balks; a beloved artist and man. Balks was born in Tadaiki, Latvia on October 26, 1916; the youngest of five (5) brothers. He was in attendance at the Latvian State University when what was to become World War II broke out in Europe. In 1944, Russia, under Stalin's grasp, and Hitler's Germany dealt a blow to the people of the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia by overtaking these counties to enhance their world domination. Latvia's capital city of Riga has the only seaport which does not freeze during the winter months, thus making it an asset to any country seeking a presence in world trade. John Balks along with his brother, sister-in-law and two (2) nieces were forced into a D.P. Camp (Displaced Persons Camp). Balks, his older brother and his brothers' family were among those Latvians placed in Germany, while the remaining Balks' brother was to remain in the Russian dominated Latvia. The Balks family remained in the Valka, Germany D.P. Camp until 1949. Balks immigrated to Michigan in 1949. John J. Balks is a self-taught artist, though he did complete an I.C.S. Art Course via mail in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1959. He had developed his own bold style and technique in transparent watercolor. Balks work reflects his love of nature and of the sea. Memories of his native country of Latvia and its capital of Riga, the Baltic Sea, fishing villages, homesteads and boats are featured into his paintings. Balks work has been featured in numerous publications, including LA Revue Moderne des art et de la vie (French Art Journal in Paris, France); the Latvian Journal Treji Varti and the Latvian Newspaper Laiks. Condolences may be shared on-line at www.joldersma-klein.com. Absolute Gallery will also be collecting memories of John for the family. Please feel free to share your memories via email to us at absolutegallery@absolutegallery.net. We have uploaded two (2) videos of John Balks to YouTube. Please take a moment to view them: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkOFl9iqgGM and http://youtu.be/De_E60SSjYQ. Meet Michigan artist, Scott Fergus (YouTube video, 5:12) Absolute Gallery- now also at www.absolutegallery.com! Come visit the showroom for Bradly's Home and Garden, now at Absolute Gallery! Advertisement courtesy of WLNS TV6 About Us Absolute Gallery, located in the heart of Lansing's Old Town District, features an eclectic assortment of art for all tastes and budgets. With exhibits changing monthly, Absolute Gallery maintains a collection of art representing local, state, national and international artists. With an ever-changing supply of original art, giclees and prints, all art needs can be met. Absolute Gallery is also proud to have over 4,000 frames to select from. We are proud to be the People's Choice Winner for Art Gallery and Custom Frame Shop. Come visit Absolute Gallery for that unique art, framing, gift or card. Absolute Gallery- Absolutely! Absolute Gallery offers computerized mat cutting with many custom and creative designs and styles. Come in and talk to us to see what we can do for you!