Library hosts exhibit by local artist Jill Schaffer

By: 
MEGAN LINSKI

Jill Schaffer alongside her art at Tecumseh District Library. Photo by Megan Linski.

Artist Jill Schaffer enjoys painting all mediums and subjects. A teacher at Community Arts of Tecumseh (CAT), Schaffer is skilled in oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel painting. Schaffer’s art is currently on display at the Tecumseh District Library (TDL) throughout the month of May. The exhibit is a collection of work she’s done over the past several years.

“When I was a little girl, I drew my own paper dolls and their clothes,” Schaffer said. “From that stage to this stage in my life, I’ve always painted and drawn.”

Schaffer is self-taught, and has no formal training outside of attending various workshops by well-known artists. Some of her artwork hangs at Jackson College and has been purchased by those living on the west side of the country. She enjoys painting flowers, as well as nature scenes. “I just like to thank God, because he’s given this talent for art. I feel the need to use it,” Schaffer said.

CAT contacted her years ago to begin instructing some of their classes. Schaffer said the staff at CAT is very helpful, and supportive of her work.

“I enjoy working at CAT, and so I’ve taught there for many years,” Schaffer said.

Schaffer enjoys painting because of the therapeutic qualities it brings. “Painting is refreshing, relaxing,” Schaffer said. “It’s a mood changer for me. You get a feeling of accomplishment that you’ve done something well. It gives my life meaning.”

Schaffer is unable to pick a favorite piece in the show. Two pieces she really likes are a painting she did at Sparks Community Park in Jackson, and a painting of a Texan prairie. The painting she did at Sparks Community Park features a pond with three geese. The geese wouldn’t stand still, so Schaffer took a picture of them and finished the painting back in her studio. The Texan painting is titled “East Meets West” because within the painting Schaffer added the image of an old wagon filled with lobster creates from Main. “I felt it needed something, so it really brings the two sides together,” Schaffer said.

Schaffer also does stained glass windows. She has created 68 stained glass windows and had them placed throughout the county at places such as the Lenawee Historical Society and Sand Creek Community Church.

Anne Flora, a fellow artist at CAT, set up the exhibit at the library for Schaffer. Schaffer advises budding artists to paint a little something everyday, and look to nature for inspiration. “A walk in the woods is an art trip,” Schaffer said. “When we’re creating art, we’re creating things, so when you take a walk in the woods you see the creation God has done, and so it gives us inspiration to paint and draw.”

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