Brad Paul Jirka

Background

Jirka, Brad Paul was born on February 25, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of Donald H. and Doris M. (Zonsius) Jirka.

Education

Student, University Colorado, 1972-1973; Bachelor of Fine Arts, Minneapolis College Art and Design, 1976.

Career

Co-founder, officer, Midwest Center Research and development of Elec. Art, Minneapolis, 1976-1978; partner, B. Jirka/N. Andersen Neon, Minneapolis, 1976-1980; owner, artist, B. Jirka & Associations, Northfield, Minnesota, since 1976; co-founder, lead instructor, American School Neon, Minneapolis, 1994-1995; general partner, St. Elmo's Kitchen Ltd. Partnership, Minneapolis, 1984-1989; vice president design, St. Elmo's Inc., Minneapolis, since 1990; assistant professor fine arts division, Minneapolis College Art and Design, since 1980.

Consultant design engineer Neon Dynamics Inc., Minnetonka, Minnesota, 1987-1994. Lecturer, presenter Lightfair International, Chicago, 1995. Visiting artist Minnesota State Arts Board, North High, Minneapolis, 1984, Vine, Park H.S., Cottage Grove, Minnesota, 1985.

Visiting lecturer Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, 1985.

Achievements

• Brad Paul Jirka has been listed as a noteworthy sculptor, art educator by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Member International Sculpture Center, Minnesota Sign Association (chair standard practice committee 1987-1992, board directors 1986-1997, vice president 1998, president 1999), Chicago Yacht Club.

Interests

• Avocations: sailing, skiing, wooden boat restoration, antique scientific instruments.

Connections

Married Katherine Ann Jones, October 18, 1980.

Father:

Donald H. Jirka

Mother:

Doris M. (Zonsius) Jirka

Spouse:

Katherine Ann Jones