John Balks : John J. Balks, a native of Latvia, finished I.C.S. Art Course of Scranton, PA in 1959, but is mostly self-taught, and has developed his own bold style and technique in transparent watercolor.  He also does pen and ink drawings, and is the author of many articles and books written in the Latvian language.  Born in 1916, John immigrated to the U.S.A. in 1949.  He resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and continues to paint.

Juried Shows:
In 1965 and 1967 he was included in the juried shows at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.  In 1966 he was among the selected paintings in the 14th annual Regional Art Exhibition at U of M, Ann Arbor.  That same year, he was included in the A.A.U.W. Annual Art Exhibit at St. Joseph, MI.  He also was invited numerous times to be in the yearly exhibitions arranged by the Battle Creek Art Center.  Balks also has been invited in numerous Latvian Song Festival Art Exhibitions in various cities.

One Man Shows:
1965: Kalamazoo, MI
1964-1969: YMCA, Kalamazoo, MI
1973: Kalamazoo, MI
1974:  Grand Rapids, MI
1979: Indianapolis, IN
1982: Latvian Center, Garezers, MI
2002-2004: Purple Frog Gallery, Higgins Lake, MI

Two Man Shows:
1975: Battle Creek Art Center
1980: Chicago Latvian Association
1981: Art Gallery Maksla, Union, NJ
2004-2005: Absolute Gallery, Lansing, MI

See the portfolio.