Despite school councellors encouraging me to seek more traditional career goals, making art always had the upper hand. After graduation from Aitkin (Minnesota) high school, I attendended the Minneapolis School of Art and Design (MCAD). Not knowing where to send my energies, I joined the Navy—for some reason that escapes me now. Then came the almost obligatory roles of commercial art and design, marketing, and eventually lighting up northern Minnesota's lifestyle magazine; The Lake Country Journal.

Retiring to a farmstead in the small town of Aitkin, my wife, Jean, and I have found our idyllic home to roost.

It's here that the painting kicked in after lurking in the background for decades. We have completed a perfect studio, and although continuing our book publishing business (Riverplace Press), I am now able to paint with a new-found freedom.

I invite you to contact me to discuss purchasing of my art, discussing anything in the world of art in general, or even just to add you to my list of new friends. Thank you for stopping by this site. Enjoy.

Chip Borkenhagen is a fiscal year 2023 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.