“The Mystique of CraggyRocks and Sunlight Wonders” collage (26”x19”) by Jan Clark, $750

Art Center East (ACE) announces the opening of “Journeys and Convergence,” a collaborative exhibit featuring the works of local artists Jan Clark, Linda M. Peterson, and Denise Elizabeth Stone. Community members are invited to a free opening reception on Friday, September 6, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The artists will discuss their work, inspirations, and creative processes in an artist talk beginning at 7:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display in ACE’s Main Gallery from Friday, September 6 – Saturday, September 28, 2024. 

The roots of “Journeys and Convergence” run deep. Clark, Peterson, and Stone initially gathered to learn the batik watercolor method with Sue Orlaske, another local artist. Orlaske died in 2021. As a group, they developed techniques that expanded the possibilities of the method and exhibited their work as the “Batik Convergence”. Chronicling 16 years of individual artistic journeys and collaborative creative work, “Journeys and Convergence” is unified by the themes of nature, color exploration, and storytelling.

Raffle tickets for original artworks by Clark, Peterson, and Stone will be available for purchase in person and online at artcentereast.org beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6. Proceeds from the raffle support the ACE Gallery Program. The three drawings, one for each artwork, will take place after September 28. The public is invited to attend a free closing reception on Friday, September 27, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Jan Clark
Clark’s lifelong passion for art is deeply rooted in her love for nature and shaped by her experiences growing up in the stunning landscapes of Bend, Oregon. Her work, which spans a variety of mediums including oil, pastel, watercolor, and mixed media, vividly reflects her connection to the natural world. Clark’s artistic journey began in childhood with simple materials like crayons and paint-by-numbers and evolved into a richly diverse practice that includes realism, abstract art, and batik watercolor. Her work is marked by its celebration of the quiet beauty of mountains, trees, rivers, and lakes—places that renew her soul and bring her peace. Whether capturing the serenity of plein air painting or experimenting with bold abstract forms, Clark’s art is a testament to her deep connection to the outdoors and her continuous exploration of new techniques and styles.