John K. Fetzer, age 78, has learned that the key to a fulfilling retirement is to keep busy. He retired eight years ago as president of Fetzer's Inc., a manufacturer of store fixtures, fine institutional furniture and business interiors.
He said, "I was a one-ulcer man in a two-ulcer job." He couldn't wait to retire, not only to lessen the pressure, but to pursue a talent he discovered while taking a drawing class from A.B. Wright at LDS High School many years before.When 18, Fetzer was called on a mission to Germany. For the next 2 1/2 years, he managed to find time to sketch a little.
But for the next 50 years, his artistic talent lay dormant as he ran a business, raised six children and served as a LDS bishop.
Accompanied by his wife Naomi, he served as president of the South German Mission from 1964-67; and as first counselor to president Enzio Busche in the Frankfurt, Germany temple from 1987-88.
In 1983, two years before he retired, Fetzer began to take art classes from local painter Harold Olsen. The classes continued for four years, with three spent in watercolor and one in oil. Today, he works primarily in watercolor.
"I couldn't wait to retire (in 1985), because I knew I had talent," he said. In fact, during his last stay in Germany (1987-88), he completed 17 watercolors. They were displayed in the Anderson Foothill Library in 1988.
One of his most recent paintings is a large one - 30-by-50 inches. He received inspiration for this watercolor from John Masefield's poem "Sea Fever." It took him about 36 hours to paint the picture and print the poem at the bottom with a felt pen.
The painting can be seen in Fetzer's home gallery along with 75 other watercolors, oils and pencil sketches. Anyone wishing to see his work may call 277-3823 for an appointment.
- The Cartoon Factory brings Hollywood to Salt Lake. Officially opening yesterday, the gallery sells one-of-a-kind animation art. It's located in the center court on the second floor of Foothill Village, 1400 S. Foothill Drive. Stop by and meet Peter Pan, Yosemite Sam, Mickey Mouse and many other cartoon characters painted on celluloid (or "cels"). These cels are being collected as art. For details, contact David Koch at 583-3700 or 561-0442.
- The Nikon School of Photography has added Salt Lake City to its 1993-94 schedule. The traveling classes will provide area photographers with expert advice on new photographic technologies and techniques. Photographers will receive tips on getting great pictures of some of Utah's most photogenic sites.
The school is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, in the Little Theatre of the Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 South West Temple. The classes run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on either day. Tuition is $80. Tickets can be ordered by calling the Nikon School Information Line, (516) 547-8666.
- There's not enough space in the paper to print the names of all the winners in this year's Fine Arts exhibition at the Salt Lake County Fair. The list fills three pages. However, here are the best-of-show winners: Randy Morris (professional), Paula Williams (amateur), Caleen Olsen (senior amateur), Jeanette Van Huizen (teen), Emily Jensen (youth) and Holton Jewkes (children).
- The Sunshine Terrace Art Auction, originally scheduled for Sept. 25, has been postponed until March 12, 1994. This change allows more time for artists to prepare their work. Sunshine Terrace is located at 225 N. 200 West in Logan.
- Lectures, workshops, classes and meetings:
Monday, Aug. 23 (five days, Kimball Art Center) - Martha Haley will give a batik and tie-dye workshop. For registration and/or details, call 649-8882.
Friday, Aug. 27 (6-8 p.m., Sculpture Court, SLAC) - Plazafest featuring art projects, food and entertainment.
Saturday, Aug. 28 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., SLAC plaza) - Saturday Art Market.
Monday, Aug. 30 (five days, KAC) - Galina Victorovna Perova will present a "Drawing and the Human Figure" workshop. For information, call 649-8882.
* Events are free unless noted otherwise.