I first became familiar with Jane through her art which she has shared generously in our community ever since arriving here well over 20 years ago. She donates her paintings to every worthy cause, in and out of town, with no thought to the enormous strain this must make on her expenses. As far as I have observed, her paintings always sell and benefit arts in the schools, the animal shelter, the Contemporary Center for the Arts, ad infinitum.
I am a writer and several years ago I was at a one week workshop retreat at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico studying with the current poet Laureate of Santa Fe, Joan Logghe. Jane was conducting pastel workshops on that beautiful land. I do not know if it was Jane or Joan who dreamed up the idea, but one amazing afternoon they put our two groups together and the writers did paintings of their poems and the painters wrote poetry for their pieces. Although I have been in the art business most of my life, I was too intimidated to paint myself ("famous artist mother syndrome" is what I call it now). Jane, in her gentle, observant, aware manner put ALL of the poets at ease. It was a remarkable break through for me. I have been taking classes with her and painting independently ever since. I have observed her working with experienced professional artists as well as with those who have never held a pastel or anything other than a crayon in their hands before coming to Jane's classes. She seamlessly provides all of these different individual's with just the instruction they need and/or are ready for.
She has been a true role model. I am still afraid to hang my work in the gallery (much to my husband's dismay), but I have followed in Jane's footsteps and regularly (and successfully!) donate all of my "decent" work.
Additionally, I have visited Ms. Shoenfeld's studio a number of times and observed the phases her work has gone through, evolving from her early realistic work in the 80's to her unique blend of expressionism, abstraction and mixed media. Her work is clearly built on all that
has gone before. She is a mature artist and is always enthusiastic in her own work, probably in part, because she keeps it fresh by allowing herself transitions and leaps. Personally, I would anticipate a stay in the environment you offer to instigate another creative passage for her.
I will be looking forward to what comes next.
I am in Jane's debt for the confidence she has given me as well as the skills she has taught me in a very difficult medium (pastel). I am pleased she trusted me enough to write this letter for her. read more