The exhibit “Tim Tracz: Collaborations—30 Years Making Art” was one of the campus highlights of Fall Term 2015. Tim Tracz, now the Craig Professor in the Arts, joined the Austin College faculty in 1986. He never expected to stay for his full career, but stay he did—and his students have been the lucky recipients of his expertise and his desire to help them find their way. His time on campus, though, is fast coming to a close as he will retire at the end of the spring term.
From darkroom photography and Polaroid material transfers, to PhotoShop and mixed media techniques, to encaustic (wax) works utilizing photo transferring, a sampling of more than 15 of Tracz’s own approaches to making art were on display throughout the fall and at the Homecoming reception that served as an early retirement celebration.
“It’s been a blast, and I’m grateful for the opportunity and support Austin College has given me to explore these media, as an artist and teacher, for nearly 30 years,” he said.
Tracz had some highlight moments throughout his career, but his time with students, he said, has been by far the most important and satisfying part of his experience. Beyond interaction with faculty and students, one of the best things of his Austin College career was the move to the Betsy Dennis Forster Art Studio Complex. “One of the most difficult things about my retiring is to have to leave this amazing facility, which always seems brand new to me, even after almost eight years of working in it,” he said. “It’s a continual pleasure simply to be in our buildings every day.”
As Tracz finishes his final term of teaching, he knows he has put many ideas and activities on hold while taking care of his students. As retirement nears, he is beginning to think about what projects can now come to fruition. Plus, he looks forward to travel, visiting family and friends around the world, some of the little jobs his wife has been saving for him. “I’ll also be taking my experimental approach from art into the kitchen, hopefully getting edible results.”
Good luck with every endeavor, Professor!