Clarkfield, MN

Born in Seattle, October 16, 1942. He studied at the Art Center School, Los Angeles, California, worked with William J. Ketelle, Woodworker and also with the architectural firm Grebner, Schoen & Associates in St. Paul. This established Richter's focus on industrial, architectural and graphic design, influenced by the Bauhaus philosophy of the using the least material for the most efficient use of space.

On returning to the active arts scene around the University of Minnesota's West Bank, Franz collaborated with Garrison Keillor, reconfiguring the format of the Ivory Tower, a University literary publication. Franz began working as an artist illustrator, developing an imaginative and distinctive drawing style: Fifty Five Leap Frogs, 1969, Parrot in the Wheat, 1971, Watch the Turtle, 1972, War Hangover, 1987, Gregory Bitz; Nickel & Dime Quarterly, 1969; Old Man Rubbing His Eyes, Robert Bly; Rain Gatherer, Franklin Brainerd; Well Digger's Wife, Lewis Jenkins; Twenty Poems, Thomas Tranströmer.

Franz was greatly influenced by Scandinavian Art History studies with Dr. Marion Nelson and a study trip to Norway in 1973. He began a design series based on Sámi folk culture and Norwegian folk art. Clay figures variously known as Tusse or Haugfolk emerged in his work as design artist and sculptor with Tokheim Stoneware, 1973-2003. He also collaborates with printer Andy Kahmann to produce limited editions card prints of drawings and other graphic work.