Background of Tinker

Tinker (Frank Tebay Jr) hails originally from Duluth MN and lived in Minnesota for 25 years. In that time, he has acquired a vast art background. Relocated to Colorado from 2008 to 2022, he expanded these to pursue a vision: To cultivate and encourage others as they strive to become the best version of themselves.

He believes there is endless opportunity to learn, and master skills that allow each person to follow their passion. He sees in this a great opportunity to craft our lives and impact the world and observed our cultural beliefs that often tell us we are limited. His personal response to this is an invitation “It is never too late to learn and transform” and his anthem… “…It’s time for a personal Renaissance.”

Background

In formative years, Frank involved himself with the family business to became a ceramist and educator. He became co-owner/ instructor of each aspect of production before completing public school. His interests included the arts and athletics.

He emerged in Lake of the Woods high school as a visual artist and drew the attention of many contributors such as the Lake of the Woods Art Guild, Region 2 Arts council, as well multiple area Artists. Numerous scholarships through the years to expand his art background.

In 1997, he was awarded a scholarship to study Renaissance realism painting and came face to face with modern Renaissance master Frank Covino. Covino bestowed personal scholarship to Frank and would continue to do so over a ten-year period. In that time, the master, identifying a heart and gifts for teaching, urged the apprentice to consider teaching. Covino’s remarkable legacy was adopted eagerly by the young apprentice and peers began to refer to him as “Little Frank.”

Attending trade school for Graphic Design (Moorhead MN), he began instructing (Fargo ND) in 2002. Following local news exposure, The Plains Art Museum, in cooperation with community education, invited Frank to teach before relocating to Littleton CO in 2008.

Within the last 15 years his visionary gift has transformed into serving through creative works, having impact in communities and the globe. He has written and implemented ministries, performed live art to serve organizations and the community. This work has impacted difficult topics such as poverty, domestic violence, human trafficking, victims of catastrophe and atrocities of war. Whether using art to compliment messages or providing creative revenue, Tinker has identified and looked for methods to positively impact our world in creative ways. While developing this he has also built, owned, and operated “That Painter You Know LLC” serving the Denver area for 7 years with home improvement and aesthetics.

Currently, he is building Tinker Unattended, inspired by his childhood. Being wildly curious to the point of mischief, his imaginative nature has led using art and education to serve. The website will begin as a gallery and develop into instructional classes others can discover how to produce art themselves. Just some of the instruction opportunities that will be offered include creativity, composition, drawing, and painting.

Possessing over 30 years of experience in arts, Frank continues learning so that he may provide new discoveries. From science and mathematics to identity and creativity he strives to learn new ways to create and more ways to stimulate our understanding and have engaging discussions that connect us and enrich our lives.