I knew at first glance that our featured artist, Jan Clizer, truly understands how to share the essence of place. Her paintings are utterly evocative, and whatever the subject, take us around the world. I love them - and so will you.

I cannot express how excited I am to present my art teacher, Kaylon Khorsheed, as our featured Artist of the Month. She has challenged me in ways that I didn't know I needed; she works through problems with my ceramics even when I am frustrated with a piece - and not just to talk me out of putting it in the slop bin. She makes sure to spend time with everyone in the class, helping them with their goals and projects.

Gorgeous colors, rich with the natural beauty of our earth. A keen eye, to see birds, waves, sunsets, and the talent to be able to capture it perfectly. A respite from today's busy digital world, where I can sit, breathe, and imagine. Those reasons - and more - are why I follow Angela Hennessy, our Artist of the Month, on Instagram and other social media platforms. Her art is beautiful, keen, sharp, and evocative. Even if I'm sitting inside during a Michigan snowstorm, I feel as if, even for a minute, that I am somewhere else in the world, with her and the creatures she so lovingly paints.

I'm elated to share the extraordinary art of Rachel Alvarez, a native of Salisbury, Maryland. She received her BFA in Painting and Photography from Salisbury University in 2002. Her original work has been exhibited at a number of local galleries, and her prints, notecards, and decals can be found in shops across the United States. Her work is inspired by her 2 children. Each piece in her collection was completed during their nap times and reflects her family’s love for backcountry drives, beach outings, and hikes in the woods.

An artist of an inspirational talent, Luba Kostenko was branded an art prodigy whilst still attending Secondary School of Art in Leningrad, Russia. She entered the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Leningrad in 1965 where she was taught by the distinguished professors E. E. Moiseyenko, I. P. Veselkin, P. T. Fomin, D. A. Shuvalov, and A. A. Mylnikov. 

You know how talent often runs in families? This month's artist feature, with painter Lawrence Dyer, is part of that tradition. I first met his daughter, Madeline Dyer, when I discovered her beautiful and powerfully written first book, Untamed (read our author interview here). Imagine my NOT surprise when I saw her father's artwork in one of her facebook posts.

I spent time just letting Jillian’s paintings speak to me before I ever read any of her words.

I see the warmth of human beings, animals, and plants, evolving in a rough nature, made of thick layers of elements. I wonder about the mist which is lying over what I can perceive in the background of her paintings, and about the snow. These paintings speak for themselves.