Arts community mourns the loss of Rockford artist Jim Julin
Rockford artist Jim Julin on the cover of Rockford Magazine.
Online Staff Report
Well-known and much loved Rockford artist and craftsman Jim Julin died Sunday night, July 22, after a short illness. He was 56.
A fixture in downtown Rockford, the artist was known for his sculptures made from reclaimed materials.
Julin created many visible works throughout the Rockford area, including the giant chair in front of Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St.; “fire and ice” sculptures during New Year’s Eve festivals; and many works throughout Rockford’s Anderson Japanese Gardens.
Upon learning of Julin’s passing, friends and art enthusiasts left flowers at some of Julin’s public sculptures in Rockford. Rockford Art Museum’s Greenwich Village Art Fair, which is set for Sept. 15-16, has been dedicated to “the creativity and kindness of Rockford artist Jim Julin.”
Services are pending.
Read tributes from Julin’s friends and fans in this week’s print edition (July 25-31) of The Rock River Times. Tributes from friends and fans can be e-mailed to contact@rockrivertimes.com or posted below as a comment
Posted July 23, 2012
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2 Comments
One of the first times I saw Jim was at a Halloween party above Saturn Studios. He was wearing a bizarre brown leather mask with horns sticking from it. Combined with his long hair and beard, it made for one of the most intimidating Halloween get-ups I ever saw…like a demonic Viking. Never has the old adage “Never judge a book by its cover” been more apropos! Had the first of many conversations with him that night…I believe it was about “Lord of the Rings” and “All Quiet On the Western Front”. I also require some of his hilarious debates about modern art with another departed genius of Rockford, Tom Nali. How blessed I was to know both these gentlemen and how dearly shall I miss them…
My wife spent several very cold and exhausting weekends at Sinnissippi Park doing Snow Sculptures with Jim Julin and John Barry…Jim was one of the most creative and talented artists I have ever met. We have a piece of his that hangs in our family room and it will ALWAYS remind of him and his talents. RIP my friend, you will be missed.