Artist Focus: Vilem Zach

Vilem Zach was born in the city of Prague, which, in 1946, was part of Czechoslovakia. It was there he spent numerous years studying privately under the mentorship of art professor Tesinsky. Finding life unrewarding under communist rule, Zach left his homeland in 1970 and moved to Canada. Once in Canada, he was able to transform his childhood passion of art into a full-time profession, eventually realizing his dream of painting North American Indians and their culture.

Inseparable, oil and acrylic, 20 x 24"

With each portrait in oil or pastel, he strives for a high standard of accuracy and feeling. After establishing his portraiture works, Zach began exploring sculpture for bronze, a medium for which he is now internationally recognized.

Coffee Break, bronze, ed. of 6, lifesize

Today the artist lives in Calgary, Alberta, where he has exhibited with the world-famous Calgary Stampede for the last 40 years. Many of his life-size statues and heroic-size monuments can be seen at numerous tourist attractions and in private collections. Some of his works include Share the Flame, the Olympic Torch Runners Monument; the W.C. Van Horne statue in Banff, Alberta; works at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.; and a number of other major pieces. Private collectors include Václav Havel, the president of Czech Republic; Prince Andrew of England; and Frank Keating, former governor of Oklahoma.