New Art, New Show: Ancient Earth Inspirations

Hello!

It has been a long while…With the New Year, family obligations and Art demands, it has taken me needed time to sort through the challenges, Art studio fun and the care of my-self.  As we are well into 2026, my hope is that all is well with you, family and life.  For me I feel I am discovering new possibilities in my Art endeavors.  Already this year, I am finding, processing and developing new pigments and raw clays which lead to exciting explorations in Art. Two pit-fires and several paintings later my creative means are expanding.  I LOVE what I do! It brings me such joy to share what I do to make pigments, to paint and to build with raw clays.

If you are at all interested in joining me in gathering, processing or using raw clays and pigments in Art, please let me know. Send me an email for yourself or even a small group and we can put together some dates. June through October are good months.* 

*I plan to do two more pit-fires in April-May weather permitting…that is rain and wet weather are best! …And to do some clay and pigment gathering and processing, too.

Here are some possible dates:  April 11, 12 or 18, 19 or 25, 26 or May 2, 3 or 9, 10 or 16, 17.

Mark Your Calendar!

April 4, 2026: Opening Reception “Ancient Earth Inspirations” at Piper J Gallery at 10250 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, California; 4-7 pm.  I will have a demonstration and a brief talk at 5 pm. Please come and enjoy an evening of Art, refreshment, and engagement with the artist. This exhibition will be up April 3 – 29.

February 2026 Wild and Scenic Film Festival and Art Exhibition: “Best in Theme” Diptych (two 36 x 48″ paintings put together as one “And Bear Will Lead them”.

Open Studios Tour: October 10, 11 and 17, 18

Always, ENJOY! Jennifer

YAy!!! Jumping into a New Year

Already a fun busy time! The year opened with two shows, one at the Truckee Airport and one at Martis Camp in Truckee along with dates set for WORKSHOPS and a Mineral Hunting date! (below)

“Wild Women” Art Exhibition features 6 women artists from the region sponsored by the Nevada County Cultural District, the Truckee Alliance, the Nevada County Art Council and displayed by the Piper J Gallery. A new and featured piece is “Mountain Home” at this exhibition up until April 2024.

“Mountain Home” 40×50″ with white gold leaf, natural mineral paints and charcoal on handmade papers over 3-d reliefs and wood panel.

Martis Camp houses a relaxing atmosphere, a game room and an art workshop for residents. Featured works were spread out through the area, halls, stairwell and Art room.

Ancient Cave Bears: The Time Travelers 9×12″

Sacred Spirit of the Reindeer 9×12″

Workshops!

Natural Mineral Paints: Become an Earth Artist!

Welcome to participants of all levels and abilities! Mix and apply natural earth minerals into paints onto wood.  Learn how to use non-toxic and earth friendly processes to create a safe studio environment and artworks.  Visit ancestral roots that link Art to the Earth in this one day workshop.

Skill levels: All participants are able to create at their own comfort level of expertise.

Program description: Participants are introduced to earth paints, making pigments from natural minerals and mixing paints with different binders. Prepare wood canvas surfaces with the addition of handmade and up-cycled papers.  Design a composition using charcoal and/or pencil.  Patterns and templates are available to use for drawing and designing.  Participants will engage in processes that show how to integrate and use natural products to create earth-friendly Art, to explore ancient methods (to include early Italian processes to Paleolithic cave dwellers) and to transpose a studio space into an earth friendly environment.

1. March 16, Saturday 11 am-3:30 pm at Piper J Gallery, 10250 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee CA 96161  (775)220-0325 piperjgallery.com Price: $125, all supplies included

2. March 30, Saturday 11 am – 4 pm Blue Line Arts in Roseville, CA

All supplies included: Members – $125; Non-members – $144

3. Small groups or private Workshops: contact Jennifer, email ruggej@aol.com to book a date on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays, 11 am – 3:30 pm for April and May. $125 per adult

4. Mineral Hunting: Friday, August 30, 2024, $50 per adult 11 – 2:30 pm.

Pack a lunch, water and a pack to carry collecting materials. We will meet here at my home and caravan to Scotts Flat Lake. The hike is light to moderate. Mud shoes and walking sticks are helpful when crossing over water and one steep, but short, incline. We will take time to learn about different ochres and clays, harvesting them and leaving a small or no footprint behind. Processing minerals with a brief demonstration along with a handout will be given.

Enjoy Art. Enjoy being inspired. Enjoy seeking alternatives for a health-conscious life. Jennifer

From my Studio

Another update is underway during these stay-at-home orders —

The Art council here in Nevada County has asked for photos, videos, or poetry/stories of where you spend most of your time during this “stay at home” policy in California. In my studio, at home is where I spend most of my time…preparing, thinking, creating inspirationally… in paintings, writing and sculpting. Enjoy the journey life sets before you. Enjoy!