During the month of June, Judy Benson LeNier’s work will be featured in the Salon and Mary Jo Heath will be the featured artist on the back wall at Art du Jour Gallery, 213 E. Main in Medford. Music on Third Friday will be provided by Minstrel Stream.
Guest Artist Judy Benson LaNier
A professional photographer who specializes in photographing Wildlife, Judy Benson LaNier’s love of Africa began in 1961 when her family hosted Ashland, Oregon’s first Rotary-sponsored exchange student who was from South Africa. The bond forged then has continued through the years as the two families visit each other in Africa and the U.S.A. The magnetism of Africa is strong and Judy has returned there eight times. Her range of photography has expanded to include North American and Hawaiian Flora and Fauna as well as landscapes.
Judy Benson LaNier says, ““When I first went to Africa I was amazed that the animals ignored us completely. They went about their business as if nothing extraordinary was happening. Little did they know that something quite extraordinary was happening inside me! I was experiencing a catharsis, a cleansing of my soul. I was being taught what is truly important in life and I was filled with joy by the lessons!
I hope that my photographs bring you a taste of life in the Bush.”
Her photographs capture the essence of the wildlife in amazing detail. For many years Judy led Photographic Safaris to countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, teaching photography and holding workshops for participants. Her Photographic work is currently represented in five art galleries in Oregon. Judy has published seven books of her photography, the latest being FACING LIONS which recounts an adventure she enjoyed in Africa.
Featured Artist Mary Jo Heath
As the featured artist for the month of June, Mary Jo Heath presents a body of work themed “Southern Oregon”. She was born in Coos Bay, Oregon. At the age of five, she moved to the Rogue Valley with her family and attended school at Central Point and graduated from Medford High School
Mary Jo taught art in public schools for more than 30 years. The majority of her teaching experience is in Central Point Schools. In 1994, she began working with pastels and has won several awards from the Pastel Society of Oregon National and Membership shows.
When asked about her art, she said, “I have gained experience with a variety of art media during my time teaching art in public schools. Of all the media that I have tried, pastel is the most immediate, the most expressive, and the most forgiving. The pastels become an extension of my hand as I try to interpret what I see and how I feel about a subject matter. It could be the light, the compositions or the challenge of something I have never painted before. Sometimes the subject matter becomes a vehicle for a more abstract expression. Whatever the inspiration, pastel says it for me.”
Please come and enjoy the wonderful art of both Judy Benson LaNier and Mary Jo Heath at the Art du Jour Gallery. Judy’s photos will bring you closer to wildlife in an exciting way. Mary Jo Heath’s pastels show her passion for pastels.
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