Jan Cline-Zimmerman May Artist of Month, Open House Sunday

“I am happy to be the first artist to have a show at the Swedish Heritage Center,” stated Jan Cline-Zimmerman.

An open house will be held this Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. honoring Jan and her artwork. “The paintings on display will be Nebraska landscapes in pastel,” Jan said. The event is sponsored by Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D.

Jan began pastel and landscape paintings after her family moved to Nebraska in 1998. One of her paintings, titled Abandon, was drawn from a 3×5 picture she took of a house while living in Verdigre Nebraska. “The picture was before digital photography, so it was much smaller to draw from,” Jan stated.

The Logan Valley Artists, which Jan is a member of, held a competition recently in which one of Jan’s paintings earned Best of Show. “Best of Show and first place entries go to the state show which will be held in Columbus in June,” Jan said.

Jan can also make prints of a painting or produce the painting on canvas or have it photographically reproduced in many shapes, sizes and styles.

She also owns a business in Oakland, Creative Connections, which has been on Oakland’s Main Street for eight years. She teaches music and art classes, sharing her joy and passion with many others in the area. “I am also currently working on an album,” Jan stated. Her album will focus on her spirituality, sharing songs she has written on scripture. She has also performed in the group, Troubadour, entertaining at many area local events.

Dala horse and T-shirt painting classes are being planned over the summer as well as a jewelry making class.

Jan’s shop features many handmade jewelry items made from beads, seeds and stones of all shapes, sizes and colors. “I appreciate the dedication these individuals have to their craft. What they make is unique and beautiful,” Jan said.

Everyone is invited to attend the open house in Jan’s honor Sunday at the Swedish Heritage Center. There is also a free will donation meal being served from 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Jan Cline-Zimmerman, May Artist of the Month, holding her Best of Show Painting “Last Dance,” one of the paintings being featured at an open house in honor on Sunday. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.