We will be hosting a reception Thursday, July 18th to recognize our July Midtown Gallery Guests. 

Come celebrate these amazing artists!

5pm to 8pm 

1125 N Main, Hutchinson 

Jocelyn Woodson – Paintings

Lisha Collins – Jewelry

Gwen McClenton – Jewelry

Jocelyn Woodson

I was born in Hutchinson Kansas, and began my art as early as I can remember with greeting cards. I see them as small individual paintings…and I love that it can say so much with so little.

I was painting only cards, and only for friends when I was asked to enlarge a card onto a 4ft by 4ft canvas – with that began paintings for me. The idea of that kind of freedom changed everything.

The natural evolution found me at Fine Art by Nuri on Melrose with my first show, then selling at By Design in the Beverly Center.

In 1986 I became one of the artists working with a company dedicated to handmade art, called Constance Kay Inc., New York, With her help, as my agent, I was chosen to create over 65,000 gift enclosure cards for Victoria’s Secret . Also thru Constance, Itoya Inc. in Japan, asked me to spend 11 days at their store in Tokyo, demonstrating and creating card designs for their wedding season.

By 1993 I had partnered with another artist in New York , and spent 11 years, traveling the country to art shows, developing jewelry designs, wearable art, an amazing experience.

When I moved back to Kansas I discover wood, with all its texture and history . And it has quickly become the backdrop for all the art I now do.

My joy is in being able to convey a thought or feeling with the use of paint, and connecting with that person out there who sees it too. All this has allowed me to find a way to express myself …and with that I’m finding a way to color outside the lines.

Lisha Collins

Hi, my name is Lisha Collins. My husband and I are the owners of A Musing art and craft studio here in Hutchinson. Be sure to check us our at www.amusingartandcraftstudio.com for more information and mini-workshops

I have been making jewelry since the early 80’s. I take every opportunity to learn from other jewelry artists. I have attended classes both in person and online. Traveling to Tucson every year, has allowed me to take workshops with some amazing instructors. New techniques and ideas are always on the horizon.

I design and create every piece. Most are fabricated using sheet metal and wire and jointed with solder. My pieces are made from sterling silver, copper or jeweler’s brass. I also like to mix metals. Many of the stones I use are cut by my husband, Jerry Collins. It is so wonderful to be able to choose the right color and shape for the stones I use. Not everyone has that opportunity.

It is my hope and pleasure that you will find a piece of my jewelry that you can wear and enjoy!

Lisha

Gwen McClenton – “Gweneth Originals”

For over 20 years I have been a Human Resources professional. Through that experience I came to recognize the need to explore my inner creative child that would bring enjoyment. So, a year ago I started dabbling in copper jewelry making having great fun along the way, however,  I came to a point at being self taught that I knew I needed more. In January of this year I started a silversmithing class and immediately realized I was hooked! What a wonderful ride this has been as I have learned new techniques and processes. Recognizing the beauty of the natural gemstones

My eye is drawn to the warmer tones of the copper and brass and natural semi-precious gemstones but the silver brings a completely different experience.   I have come to find my “fun” and I am so loving the opportunity to learn new things and engage with a new community of people on this artistic adventure.

I have two grown daughters who lovingly cheer me on as well as act as ambassadors for my creations!  So come along and enjoy this journey with me….the best is yet to come!