Judith L. Smith

With nature as my inspiration, working in many different media has been my way to express myself for many years. I've been making gifts, cards, home decor, clothing and more for close to sixty years now. Some of my endeavors include painting in several media, fashion and jewelry design, weaving, snowy people and critters which expanded into fairies, gnomes, frenzies etc. My works also include garden art and fountains.

Ten years as a 4H member lead to 28 years plus in adult leadership. I love sharing and teaching as well as serving and helping both children and adults including teaching for Young Rembrandts. I was chairperson of the Kane County Fair Home Economics Committee and president of the Kane County 4H Fair Board for 3 ½  years. I also served on the South Cook County and Winnebago County 4H Fair Boards. As a member of Craftworks, I served as their advertising and publicity person for several years. As a past member of the Fox Valley Arts Council, I served as Secretary of the Board, Chairperson for Spotlight on the Arts, St. Charles Chairperson for Art Around the Fox and helped to promote artists and the  Arts.

Art — the beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Each person sees in his or her own way and is affected individually. Art opens oneself into a place of inner peace. It has been said that living with art causes a person to become involved and take action. It's food for the mind, body and soul. It causes a stirring within you to become active in something. I believe this is true and feel it is important to make art affordable. Art belongs in every home and every place.

My greatest joys and rewards come in doing art for and with others, seeing how it inspires them and gives an inner peace, joy and contentment. I hope I inspire others to become involved and my grandchildren to reach out and grow.