"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.

January Moods: An Experiment

In December, while sorting through all sorts of feelings and moods, I discovered that I (more often than not) found a moment of solace and/or a sense of camaraderie with the aspects of the day's weather. I'm not 100% sure what spurred me to do it, but starting with January 1st I made point to look to the skies at multiple points during the day, taking mental notes and photos. At the end of the day I created a small, abstract pastel work that combined those notes and my overall mood for the day. Thus was born Weather as Mood: January 2021.

"Weather as Mood: January 2021", pastel on paper. ©2021 Jen Sheckels

For 31 days I recorded these observations and moods in quick pastel impressions. This is well out of my usual wheelhouse, so it was fun to simple play with color and shape. If nothing else, I got my hands dirty with pastels, which is always a good feeling. I may make the attempt again in the future.

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.

"Self-Nurture" Selected for "Arts in Healing" Collection

Conceptual illustration of a woman as a flower, growing from the dirt, and watering herself in an act of self care.

Self-Nurture
©2017 Jen Sheckels
Mixed media (acrylic, watercolor, oil, and colored pencil) on illustration board

I recently had the good fortune of having a piece purchased for the permanent collection of the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute of Inova Fairfax Hospital.

The Arts & Healing Program at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute, a department of Inova Fairfax Hospital, is a collaboration with the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, and uses art in its many forms to help support people in treatment and recovery and their loved ones. This innovative program includes a robust permanent art collection and ongoing exhibitions, performing arts events, and other workshops.

The Institute's Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery was dedicated on July 8, 2019 with a special reception. Though I was unable to attend the reception, I’m honored to have my work serve as a source of respite and hope in healing for both those in treatment as well as their loved ones.

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.