Ken Kratz - Artist & Exhibit Creator
- SaveMPM
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Ken Kratz grew up in Southeastern Wisconsin. He was rooted in the Milwaukee area with his wife, and two children. Anyone who knew him would express his profound talent and spirited personality. His surroundings brought on a love for everything outdoors-hunting, fishing, skiing, and an appreciation for all wildlife. Ken started his career in the US Army. In the early 1960’s, he began his 30-year journey with the Milwaukee Public Museum. He was a “self-taught” artist whose mentors included the “dean of U.S. wildlife artists”, Owen Gromme and William Schultz, a world-renowned sculptor and carver. Ken has largely contributed to what the Museum is today. He has created beloved immersive experiences like no other. Ken’s specialty was painting the intricate backdrops of some of our most iconic dioramas; the “Whitetail”, and “Mangrove” are an example of his signature style; among MANY others that can be found throughout. In addition to painting, he also was assigned special exhibits. Some favorites of the past and present include “Living Oceans”, “Streets of Old Milwaukee”, “Dinosaur Dash”, the “Wizard Wing”. Aside from specializing in Wildlife Artistry, he was well known for his caricatures and animation. Which may be seen and remembered in the original cafeteria areas, and publications featuring Museum events. He continued on after the Milwaukee Public Museum to Wild Rose, Wisconsin where he, his family, and fellow Museum colleagues built a log cabin. This became a destination for wildlife collectors throughout the Midwest. They sold original painting’s, carvings, and jewelry out of the log cabin. He was the creator of the “Woody Claus” carvings that were popular in the 90’s and sold commercially to large department stores. He lived a very full life up until his death in 2004. His impression lives on. Ken’s work has been influential to not only the millions of people who have visited the Milwaukee Public Museum, but also his family, friends, and wide circle of acquaintance’s.
-Sarah Rhoden (Granddaughter)
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