Artist Of The Month

Acrylic by Jane Zampedro.

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Jane Zampedro grew up on a farm in Colorado. Besides the many chores, caring for horses, sheep, geese, and garden duties, she belonged to the 4-H Club, took dance and piano lessons, and learned to sew. Her aunt encouraged her artistic abilities by providing her with her first Prang Watercolor set of paints. While attending Colorado State University, she met and married her husband Leo. Jane tells me she even created her own wedding gown.

Jane and Leo moved to Parma in 1969 when Leo became the PGA Golf Pro for Ridgewood Golf Course. They settled in Parma and raised their family, Tony, Dominic, and Carla. Jane said Parma is a wonderful community to raise a family.

Jane has been a member of Parma Area Fine Arts Council, or PAFAC, for 40 years. PAFAC is an all volunteer organization that has served the community for over 50 years. Jane has held positions on the executive board in all the various capacities at one time or another, and currently is the Vice President. She is a multi-talented artist, working in many mediums, and has won many awards and ribbons for her work. She also was a watercolor instructor for 17 years and volunteered along with her children and grandchildren, participating in just about every show and event. Jane said she really enjoyed the fact that PAFAC has played a predominant role in her life. She spoke about how her grandchildren loved participating in the children's classes, and especially looked forward to the annual side walk chalk event. Through PAFAC she has met a large number of very talented artists and took painting instruction from Betty Clark, Windsor Chen, Fred Leach, Niki Lanzi, James Seward, Ann Fassinger, Emery Bogardy, and Michelle Baran to name a few. She has also studied under Master Woodcarver Stan Starry Jr., jewelry maker and designer Debra Newell, and Free Form Clay Artist Terese Stadel.

Jane is also a woodcarver. Her love and appreciation of woodcarving began while she was manning the desk for PAFAC's affiliate organization, Great Lakes Wood Carvers open carve night. She gave carving a try and really enjoyed it along with the company of the people involved. “The carvers are friendly and always willing to assist you,” she said. They meet on Tuesday evenings 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for an open carve night. The group also has monthly meetings the evening of the 4th Thursday of the month, with a program and project. All are at the Donna Smallwood Activities Center.

In addition to drawing, painting, and woodcarving, she also loves to sew. High On Dolls is another affiliate organization to PAFAC and Jane is a member. They meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a sew-along and pot luck dinner at the Donna Smallwood Activities Center. They also have monthly meetings, held the 1st Thursday of the month, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Quilters Square at 6683 State Road. They have challenge dolls, service projects, and field trips that keep them busy. Most of the dolls created are not your traditional dolls, but very artistic, unique, individual creations, more like sculptures.

Jane, her daughter, and three grandchildren entered creations in Polish Village's Flamingo Fever. They hold the title for the most family members participating in the event. They enjoyed working together and facing the challenge of working with the plastic lawn ornament as the base to their table top creations.

Jane said PAFAC and their affiliate organizations have played a big role in her life. You will see Jane at nearly every class, participating at every art show and event. She believes the arts enrich our lives, bring families closer together, and create a stronger community. In addition to the entertainment and recreational value the arts bring us, it is an area where no matter what your age you can actively participate. When I asked her what she enjoyed the most she said, “PAFAC has added so much pleasure and companionship for the 40 years of my involvement that I encourage everyone to give them a try.”

PAFAC offers classes, on an ongoing basis, in watercolor, acrylics and mixed media, pen and ink, calligraphy, and children's classes for ages 7 to 18. They also offer workshops in various other mediums. Jane said it is the best bargain in town as the board has kept the classes affordable - $8 to $10 for a two hour class. “The classes are fun, friendly, and relaxing, even for a beginner,” she said.

Although this article began as Jane Zampedro's story, it soon became evident that she is a number one fan of PAFAC and their affiliate organizations.

For more information on Parma Area Fine Arts Council (PAFAC), visit their web site www.parmafinearts.org, follow them on Facebook, or call (440) 888-4514. Parma Fine Arts Council's office is located in the Donna Smallwood Activity Center at 7001 W. Ridgewood Drive. Stop in and visit, you'll certainly meet Jane there.

If you are an amateur or professional artist, living in the Parma area, or know of someone who is, and would like to be featured as an artist of the month, please contact me by email at kathrynmabin@att.net.