Friday, January 16, 2015

About Jeanette Rodriguez

Art Director, Friends of the Kent Library



"Nature has always been a fascination of mine. It’s no surprise that I see reflected in my art nature’s serenity and spirit which I deeply feel from within. My Alcohol Ink paintings replicate connections and relationships that compose our world. My compositions project a surreal quality and calmness in an abstract dream-like landscape form. I find myself drawn to the blazing colors of sunsets, the tranquility of a flowing river. I want to capture that kind of beauty; like a soft summer breeze.

My journey as an artist has been one of transitions as I’ve explored and experimented with different mediums in art. I graduated with a B.F.A. degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. After spending twenty years as a Graphic Designer, I decided to return to creating in a traditional form. Working with paints, 3D collage, clay, wood, metals, jewelry and glass. I also taught jewelry design and ink painting workshops in New York City and on The Big Island of Hawaii. Over two years ago, I became the Curator at the Front Street Gallery in Patterson, New York; where I dream-up the exhibition themes including: “Windows of My Soul”, “In the Stillness of Trees”, “Flow” and “Reflection”, to name a few.

Four months ago I was asked if I would be interested in becoming the Art Director for the Friends of the Kent Library in Kent, New York. I am honored to be of service, to provide monthly displays of other local artists whom have been exhibiting their work for years and some who are sharing their creations for the first time. Being an artist can have its challenges: rejection from galleries, rejections from publications, I can relate as I’ve been there. However, my work has been exhibited around New York and published in the Society of Illustrators Annual, other publications, and I have won awards.

My art is an expression of my humanity and my spiritual growth; it helps me to live consciously and courageously with compassion; whether it's curating exhibitions, teaching workshops, painting or selecting artists to exhibit their work at the Kent Library, it's ‘all’ inspiring to me. If along the way I awaken the spirit within others; than my work is done! I am a firm believer that inspiration comes in all forms. May your journey as an artist be one of your true nature.

visualgirl.com"

The Friends of the Kent Library envision the library as a cultural center of the town of Kent and have supported ongoing exhibits of local artists in the library. In the past 5 years, over 60 local artists have had one-person shows at the Kent Library. These exhibits last for a month and are seen by approximately 300 people daily. The Friends work in cooperation with Arts on the Lake, community artists and other arts organizations. The Friends are pleased to welcome Jeanette Rodriguez as the new director of the program!