Boutin will be "In Session"

Painter Jeff Boutin is the showcased artist of today’s In Session at Abode, Stockholm, Wis. He will be available starting at 2 p.m.

Born in 1971, he grew up on a small hobby farm near Milac, Minn. He said he struggled with epilepsy his entire youth, and art became his diversion. At age 17, he was hired by a Minneapolis company that custom painted designs on cars.

He eventually found himself in the carpet business. Within a short period of time, he purchased tufting machines from Georgia and launched Minnesota’s first carpet mill.

In 2001, Boutin sold the business and started painting full time. He has come full circle in his life, he said, and loves the discovery of art.

“I want my paintings to reflect great power and emotional intensity, yet a simple happiness,” he said.

Tags: arts and entertainment, lifestyle, stockholm