Jim Hamil of Overland Park will return after 10 years to again judge entries in the annual Russell Original Art Review.

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Hamil is a native Midwesterner, born in Hastings, Neb., but he grew up in Missouri.

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He is a graduate of Shawnee Mission High School and of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

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Hamil was on the staff of Hallmark Cards for 15 years. He illustrated greeting cards, calendars, and books. He has a book, "Farm land, U.S.A.," which he produced in cooperation with his father.

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Another book, "Return to Kansas," was written by his wife, Sharon, and Hamil did the illustrations.

 

Hamil is one of the most popular artists in Kansas. He is known for his water-colors of Kansas sites and scenery and for his willing-ness to share his skills with young and old, alike, in classrooms and art work-shops.

 

Hamil was once quoted as saying, "An artist is lucky to be one of the small percentage of people who earn their living doing something they truly enjoy."

 

Awards which Hamil has received over the years have come in regional and national art shows. Included are purchase awards at Watercolor, U.S.A. and purchase awards from the Kansas Watercolor Society.