The first painting in this series, The Appearance (1975, Oil on Canvas), came to Jim during a time of deep personal sorrow. After his son Mick suffered a serious motorcycle accident, Jim turned to painting as a way to process his grief and seek solace. What began as a simple background with an airbrush evolved into an unplanned image—Christ’s face emerging from the canvas. This unexpected moment inspired a profound spiritual journey. Each piece in “The Series of Christ” reflects the emotions Jim experienced through his son’s recovery—hope, sorrow, anger, forgiveness, and acceptance. The series reveals the deeply human side of Christ, mirroring Jim’s own empathy and connection as a father and believer. The paintings were, as Jim described, both a prayer and a healing process to the sorrow.
A 1954 graduate of Western Montana College of Education (now the University of Montana Western), Jim Corr earned degrees in English and Fine Arts, with a minor in Physical Education, followed by a master’s in education in 1961. As a student, Jim was a three-sport letterman and captain of the baseball team, served as president of Kappa Pi, and contributed to the Chinook yearbook staff. His legacy continued as a teacher, coach, and mentor—spanning 16 years in Montana public schools before returning to Montana Western as an art instructor, gallery director, art club advisor, and coach. Jim’s impact on the university community is lasting. He was inducted into the UMW Athletic Hall of Fame (1992), received the Alumni Distinguished Service Award (1994), and was honored in the UMW Education Hall of Fame (2015). Jim “Lefty” Corr passed away on September 19, 2017, doing what he loved—walking down the ninth hole after a great drive at the Beaverhead Golf Course.
This exhibition is made possible through a generous donation of “The Series of Christ” from the Corr family to the University of Montana Western. The Corr Gallery, located within the Fine Arts Gallery, proudly bears his name—a fitting tribute to a man whose life and art continue to inspire generations of Bulldogs.
“The Series of Christ” will be on display in Montana Western’s Fine Arts Gallery from October 30 to November 21. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The October 30 gallery reception is open to all and will feature light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information, please contact Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery Coordinator Jennifer Boysen at jennifer.boysen@umwestern.edu.
