Submitted by Janet Neurauter, mission advancement consultant
Jennifer Peters had an idea. An accomplished photographer herself, she thought about creating an exhibit with artists working in different mediums and how they could blend their individual work into a unified show happening February 2 – April 28, 2024, at Holy Wisdom Monastery.
Her idea came to fruition when Francine Tompkins (acrylic painting) and Jennifer Angelo (fiber art), agreed to work with her on this idea. Each artist created three inspiration pieces and the other two then worked in their own medium, interpreting the original work of art. The result is the new exhibit, Inspired Art, which includes 27 works of art grouped into nine distinct sets sharing their inspiration from a common source.
Francine Tompkins has been involved in various forms of the creative arts including music, dance and theater since she was a child. It wasn’t until retiring from a 40 year career as an educator that she took her first visual arts class. Since taking a beginning watercolor class in 2012, painting has become her preferred medium of expression. Currently, Francine uses acrylic paint to create abstract expressionist art. She mixes acrylics with a variety of pouring mediums which promote a free-flowing movement over the painting surface. She finds the best results come from “relinquishing control and letting the paint guide the way.”
Jennifer Angelo is an American born fiber artist who began her journey by weaving baby blankets and table runners on a four-harness loom. When she lived in New Zealand from 2009 to 2014, Jennifer encountered wool felting, an ancient craft which bonds fibers of wool into a non-woven fabric through heat, pressure and moisture. She was struck by the serenity of Merino sheep, grazing in the green pastures of the island, and their soft wool opened a new opportunity for her artistic expression. Bringing a contemporary feel to the ancient art form, Jennifer’s goal is to create an emotional connection between the viewer and the art.
Jennifer Peters is an award-winning photographer who lives in Middleton, WI. She taught French in the Madison school district for 30 years and is now able to devote more of her time to photography and curating art exhibits in the Madison area. Jennifer’s images reflect her deep love of nature and the intricate details often overlooked by the casual observer. Her desire is to “engage the viewer to interpret my images in a very personal and emotional way.” Jennifer’s focus is on the beginnings – the images behind the scenery and the hidden exuberance of nature. Her goal is to bring to the forefront what most eyes miss.
Inspired Art is on display in the gathering area of the monastery building from February 2 through April 28, 2024. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (excluding holidays) and Sunday, 10:00 – 11:00 am.