A Break in the Clouds

Long work days, late hours, stress, and the normal twists general life throws your way made for a very crazy March. Well, several months truth be told. Today not only marks the end of another work week but also the start of a new month. And it was a good day.

I managed to catch up on some important work and enjoy the calm and creative vibe of the studios without pressing worries to distract me. I overheard two women in Pyramid’s gift shop make some lovely comments about some of my work. Then, during tonight’s Members MashUp exhibition opening reception my piece (featured below) was purchased by a longtime Pyramid friend. These positive validations were such a boost after all of the recent chaos and upheaval … and it carried me all the way home. I even paid it forward when just before turning onto my street I came across a large snapping turtle in the middle of the road. I carefully helped him move to a safer spot then finally made it home. It was a good day indeed.

Today’s lesson: Sometimes you just need to hold on a bit longer for that break in the clouds. I hope I can keep this moment in mind the next time I’m weathering the storms …

Jungle Gym: Among the Violets, Hand colored woodcut, 2023

Work Selected for ACAAC's "Into the Garden" Exhibition

New show alert! Happy to announce 4 pieces were accepted into What’s Up? Magazine’s 15th exhibition, “Into the Garden,” in partnership with the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Md.

Works juried into the show include: Observed: Fork-tailed Katydid (featured), Observed: Orchard Orbweaver, Beneficial Bugs: Praying Mantis, and Observe: Ants—Accidental Planters

Observed: Fork-tailed Bush Katydid, Pastel on paper, 9”x11.5”. © 2021 Jen Sheckels

"Variations in Pastel" Exhibition Opens at Ginger Cove

On view March 6–April 29, 2021

In collaboration with artists Micki Kirk and Roxanne Weidele, I'm presenting several works in the Variations in Pastel exhibition at Ginger Cover retirement community in Parole, Md. The show highlights the broad range of techniques and effects each artist achieves using soft (chalk) and oil pastels.

Though this is not your "typical show," as the general public will be unable to view it due to continued closures and social distancing measure in affect, it was a lovely chance to see our works hung in a new venue. It also afforded an opportunity to talk about our work with new friends.

We were invited to stop by and view the show on March 15. Here are a few highlights from the gallery walk:

View of left wall at entrance, featuring a few of my works.

Work Juried into BWI Exhibit #26, "Colors of the World"

I'm very happy to announce that the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC) has selected all three submissions entered into the upcoming BWI Thurgood Marshall exhibit 26, “Colors of the World." The show will run July 22–November 14, 2019, with an opening reception on Wednesday, August 22 at 5pm. The exhibit can be viewed in the ACAAC exhibit space between Concourses C and D in Departures.

Pieces juried into the show include Overture on Blue, Unfolding, and Observe: Ants—Accidental Planters.

Finding the Extraordinary in the “Ordinary”

Observe: Honey Bee to hang in the 6th What's Up? Media Exhibit in Annapolis, Md.

"Observe: Honey Bee," 2018,
Mixed media on illustration board
© Jen Sheckels

The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County has selected Observe: Honey Bee to show in the 6th What’s Up? Media exhibit, The Ordinary. The exhibit will be on display at What’s Up? Media’s Corporate Office starting Friday, August 17, 2018, with an opening reception to be held Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 5:00PM (RSVPs required). The exhibit runs through December 13, 2018.

Observe: Honey Bee is a full color study for a picture book concept in development entitled Observe!.

Stay tuned for more details as the project develops!

“Bugs” Are Out and About!

"Tachinid Fly," 2017,
Mixed Media on Watercolor paper
© Jen Sheckels

New exhibit showcases work from the Beneficial Bugs series

Three pieces from my Beneficial Bugs series have been accepted in the F.R.I.E.N.D.S Exhibit at Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park, Md. The show runs the entire month of August in the Center’s main gallery. A closing reception is scheduled for Friday, August 31, 2018 from 6–8 p.m. after which the show will be taken down.

On display are Praying Mantis, Wheel Bug, and Tachinid Fly (featured).

Work Selected for "Beautiful America" Art Show at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

Storm Clouds at Dawn
View From 6th Street series.
©2016 Jen Sheckels
Mixed media (acrylic and pastel) on Ampersand board

I'm very happy to announce that the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC) has selected Storm Clouds at Dawn for the BWI Thurgood Marshall Exhibit 23, “Beautiful America." The show opens to the public on July 11, 2018 and can be viewed in the ACAAC exhibit space along Concourse C, near American Airlines (pre-security). The show runs through November 7, 2018.