Jennifer Steel Cole's CHAMPLAIN VALLEY SCENES AND PLACES to Open at Jackson Gallery at Town Hall Theater, 7/12

The Jackson Gallery at Town Hall Theater presents Champlain Valley Scenes and Places: Artwork by Jennifer Steele Cole, with an opening reception on Friday, July 12 from 5 - 7 pm.

The Charlotte artist, illustrator and model maker uses her skill at architectural rendering along with an artist's sensitivity to texture and color as she creates paintings and drawings that capture the agrarian landscape of Vermont. A signature characteristic of her work is the mixing of media within each composition-for example, a pencil drawing enhanced by color washes of paint or pastel.

Her style has grown from her particular point of view. "The Vermont landscape is more than 'lovely.' There is history, hardship, and incredible beauty. Various land uses create unintentional, interesting patterns. There are never-ending combinations of light and color. There is humor."

Jenny Steele Cole grew up in Vermont in a family of artists. "My siblings and I were encouraged to create and build. We were told that learning to draw was an important part of mastering other forms of visual arts. We learned the importance of practice and hard work, and of quality craftsmanship. Our artistic efforts received full support of family, school and community."

After studying art at the University of New Hampshire, Cole returned to settle in Charlotte where "life has gone in many directions-all rewarding" including many years of service to her community on the Charlotte Volunteer Ambulance and as a Selectboard member. Art has been a constant presence, both as a source of work and as a means of communication and expression.

The exhibition will be on display through August 11, with Gallery hours noon to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, and for an hour before each Town Hall Theater performance. Contact the Jackson Gallery at (802) 382-9222 or email jacksongallery@townhalltheater.org.