A Brief History of Our Work

"Dad is a great influence in our lives partly because he has introduced us to so much in life and teaches us so much but also because of who he is as a man and artist." --- Sean Eike

"Dad is the driving force behind much of our work. He is the eternal optimist." --- Jonathan Eike

Before he became a father, Don had a dream of an independent studio that would be capable of producing any project that he or a fellowship of artists might create. He also wanted a studio that could help other artists who would not otherwise have the place or means to produce worthy art projects. He also envisioned a studio that could take on promising apprentices who might not be able to afford schooling.

Work began with a small fellowship on some work and plans for what would become that special studio, that dream. But with the birth of his first son (Jonathan) and a year later his second son (Sean), it appeared that Don's artistic dreams would have to be shelved for a more "practical" means of income suitable for a young family.

"Dreams come about only with hard work and long-term faith and determination. I can see now how it wasn't the time to realize such dreams and how that first fellowship just wasn't the right combination of people to make those dreams come true." --- Don Eike

Don has worked as a draftsman for a steel fabricator and later for an architectural interior specialists where he made drawings for shop fabrications and field installation. He has also drawn for a mechanical engineering firm as well as for a civil engineering company. Don worked as a photographer and has acquired a rich work experiences in several other fields of work as well.

"I didn't always have the luxury of affording more schooling when I wanted it so I sought out jobs that could teach me things I wanted to learn. My drafting jobs were invaluable as were my photography jobs. But my work in other areas was just as important in my development as a person and as an artist." --- Don Eike

He was working with mentally and physically handicapped children when it was decided that he would take on a new and important challenge. For the next seven years Don would work out of their home and home school Jonathan and Sean.

"I never imagined that I would one day be home schooling my own children but that's just what happened. It turned out to be the best thing I could have done at the time and one of the very best things that ever happened to me." --- Don Eike

The Eikes became an instant success in the Des Moines Public School's Home Schooling Program. The relaxed lifestyle of the Eike home provided a rich atmosphere for learning that allowed more to be accomplished than could have been in a formal traditional classroom. With Don's love for the arts, history and science, every subject was studied in depth and in relation to other subjects and topics, past and current. Jonathan and Sean consistently scored above the statewide average in the Iowa Basic Skills Tests.

Lessons were not limited or restricted to the classrooms of the home. The entire Des Moines Metro and surrounding areas were also their classrooms. The Art Center, various galleries, the Science Center, museums and historical sites, state and local parks, state and federal buildings, shops, businesses, factories and other schools were also considered a part of their classroom.

"Dad knew when we were getting tired of the books and paperwork and we would pack up and take off on an adventure for the day. We learned as much if not more on those adventures than we did from the books." --- Jonathan Eike

There were many adventures throughout the school years and even with extra curriculum added to each lesson plan the Eikes finished the school year ahead of time every year. The lessons and adventures continued on through the summer breaks but with a greater focus on the arts and preferred interests.

"It was never a problem to keep their interests in learning something new or to get them together for at least one big art project during the summer break." -- Don Eike

Summer wasn't all play and art projects for Don. He would also look for extra work wherever he could find it. Eventually he would work a night shift as well teach during the day.

"What most people don't realize is that besides being our dad, an artist, and our teacher, he also worked other jobs. It's not like he wasn't busy enough. He was always helping neighbors and others who needed help. Few can really appreciate all he has done." -- Sean Eike

Jonathan and Sean began going to Public School at the sixth grade level. Both brothers immediately impressed teachers and others with their conduct, behavior and abilities and both were entered in the Gifted and Talented Program.

Don continued to work closely with Jonathan's and Sean's education but he became involved in a way he hadn't expected when a teacher at his sons' school asked if he would help teach an after school class.

"I wasn't interested in teaching the class as it was. I thought it was lacking to say the least. But when the teacher accepted the program that Jonathan, Sean and I had created and offered, I thought it might be an interesting experience." -- Don Eike

Don got more than he bargained for in the experience. The program that the Eikes brought in was ambitious and revolutionary compared to what was previously available. Though the students and some teachers enthusiastically supported the new class, others in the school opposed it.

"I was warned that politics would be a factor. But I was naïve enough that I couldn't imagine educators working against one another or that they wouldn't embrace exciting new ideas or a parent willing to take on such a project. I learned quickly the way it was going to be. I actually had a teacher tell me that she was told not to cooperate with us. I was told by another teacher who opposed us that I could just quit and as far as the students were concerned it wouldn't really matter. I couldn't believe what I was hearing." -- Don Eike

While some doors were closed to them, others were opened. With the help of some very good and dedicated teachers Don and the students went forward determined to continue with the class. There was always plenty for everyone to do and learn. The students created two scripts to work on and develop. They designed and made their own costumes and created and built their own stage props. Don was impressed with the students work and enthusiasm as well as their courage.

At the end of the school year Don wanted to show his appreciation for the help and cooperation given selflessly by some of the teachers. He obtaining letters of commendation for each of the teachers from the United States Secretary of Education.

For each of the students who remained loyal to the end he compiled individual letters of praise from the Secretary of Education, a U.S. Senator, and a hand written letter from the great French Mime, Marcel Marceau.. He put those letters along with some drawings and other material into notebooks and gave them to the students to show his appreciation for their work and dedication.

"I was so grateful to the Secretary and Senator for taking the time to show their support and especially for Marcel Marceau who took the time from his very busy schedule to write a fantastic letter with some of his own doodles for the students. To me that is a sign of greatness from a true artist." ---Don Eike

High School was a completely different experience for Jonathan and Sean. There seemed to be endless opportunities for the Eike brothers' talents. They painted back drops for plays and other work for the Theatrical Department, painted banners, posters and other work for school events, produced programs, schedules and other work for the Athletic Department, designed several covers and provided other work for the school's newspaper. Jonathan created a cartoon strip for the school's paper and when he graduated Sean took over with a new cartoon strip of his own creation.

The Eike brothers did photography work for the Journalism class even though they were never actually a part of the class. They also created a live school mascot, "The Rail". They made drawings and sculpted a model of "The Rail" then made a presentation to the school's officials. When their proposal was approved they made design drawings for the development and construction of the full scale mascot suit.

When a group of students called the Ambassadors, lead by teacher Dave Maxwell, were given a grant to paint a mural in the school, they came to the Eike brothers. Jonathan and Sean designed and managed the painting of the mural. The Ambassadors were not art students but for two weeks of their winter break these students valiantly worked together to produce a mural for their school.

At the end of the two weeks of work Don Eike visited the school to see the completed mural. He had purposely stayed out of the way to allow Jonathan and Sean the full opportunity to manage the mural project on their own. He stood before the mural with his sons but instead of giving his own opinion he was more concerned with their thoughts. He could see that they were not pleased with the final results.

"Dad knew that we weren't happy with the way the mural looked. He pulled us aside to talk and finally, somewhat reluctantly, offered a suggestion. He said that there were still two weeks left of the winter break and that the three of us could fix up the mural in that time if we worked long hard days. We weren't looking forward to two more weeks of work on that mural but we were glad that he was going to be with us." ---Jonathan Eike

"We didn't want to ask dad to do this. We knew that he preferred to be left out of this project and his health wasn't the best it could be at that time. I asked him if he was ever going to stop helping others and be able to do his own art. He just smiled and said, 'My time will come.' I hope so because he has so many good projects he wants to do." --- Sean Eike

For the next two weeks the Eikes worked 10 to 15 hour days on the mural. They obtained copies of the original architectural drawings of the school for an added surprise. With Don's drafting skills they used these drawings to construct their own drawing of the front of the school. They added this drawing of the school across the full length of the mural. They actually painted over the entire mural making as many subtle improvements as they could without completely taking away from the work the Ambassadors.

"The challenge was to leave the school with a much better mural without obviously destroying the hard work the Ambassadors did with Jonathan and Sean. When we finished the mural we included a dedication in it's lower corner listing all of the names of the Ambassadors and others who helped in one way or another with the mural." --- Don Eike

Jonathan went on to design and paint another mural for a different school while he was in high school. In fact the Eike brothers went on to do many other projects including the design and artwork for one of their high school's yearbooks. Don, Jonathan and Sean also combined their talents again when they worked together to help celebrate and promote the high school's 75th anniversary.

Jonathan and Sean went continued their art studies when they attended college after high school. Sean created a new logo for the school's Admissions Center as well as provided his talents and leadership for various projects at the college. Jonathan created a new logo for the school's "Viking Theater". He also became involved in two more murals, pursued some of his musical interests as well as providing other work for the college. Both Eike brothers received degrees in both graphic art and in fine art and were included in nationally published, "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges".

Their schooling didn't end there. Sean talked Jonathan into going to study with the legendary Joe Kubert at The Joe Kubert School of Cartooning and Graphic Design. Joe Kubert is well known for his superb work in the comic book industry with such titles as "Tarzan", "Sgt. Rock" as well as for his critically acclaimed "Yossel - April19, 1943". His sons, Adam and Andy, who are also accomplished artists in the industry and elsewhere, also teach at the school along with other fine instructors.

Jonathan and Sean learned a great deal at the Kubert School. Jonathan also had the opportunity to work with Joe Kubert at his company, Tell-A-Graphics, Inc. where he did production art for the U.S. Army.

When the Eike brothers returned to Iowa it was with the determination to work with their father, Don.

"We know how well we can work together. When the three of us get together to brainstorm ideas for projects it can be amazing. As confident as we all are of our individual talents and abilities, we know that we have a little something extra special to offer when we work together." --- Jonathan Eike

"We each have our own talents and abilities and together we compliment each others ideas and work and strengthen what each of us can provide individually. The way it all comes together sometimes is like magic" --- Sean Eike

"Some might think that since I raised Jonathan and Sean and have been their teacher for so many years that we must be very similar artists. But I'm very pleased with the fact that they have both developed into two very distinct artists with styles and interests uniquely their own." --- Don Eike

One of the first steps in realizing their artistic dreams was to form Eike Productions. They've taken on some commercial artwork and are currently involved with providing artwork and promotional work for a local jazz lounge. There is no denying that they are very good at what they do but they know if they are going to realize their dreams they need to make some changes and take the company in a different direction.

"So far Eike Productions haven't exactly been doing the true work of our dreams but we do believe in all the work we take on. We feel that it was import to support others' causes, ideas and events in our society. We've always been community minded and willing to listen to others' considerations. We still believe this and no one should misinterpret our taking steps towards focusing more on our own personal work as a turning away from working with others. We will always be interested in working with good people and worthy projects." --- Don Eike

Several years ago Don was inspired with a vision for a special studio to produce many great art projects and provide a place of hope for others. Now it is the desire and determination of all three Eikes to realize that dream, for themselves and hopefully for many others.

"It might be difficult to realize such a dream on our own but I know that I have two of the best partners a man could have to help make miracles happen. If others are able to see who we are and share in that vision with us then some truly great and wonderful things can be created." --- Don Eike

If you have any questions for Don and would like to contact him, you can email him at: