Out With The Old…

One minute it was the end of June and the next minute it is now almost the end of December! I hope this newsletter finds you warm and happy, enjoying the holidays with your loved ones.

As 2025 draws to a close I reflect on my creative journey. I admit I struggled to push aside my angst at the chaotic state of world affairs, over which I have zero influence or control, and tried instead to focus on what I was able to do. Creating, for me, is meditative and calming so I filled 2025 with creative effort and adventure - from participating in Shana James' linocut workshop in Bali the beginning of January to attending two Riding Mountain artcamp retreats, a weekend retreat in Polonia, hosting friends in my studio for printmaking sessions, attending drink'n draw creative gatherings, and participating in group shows.

The AGSM Members Show, currently on display through January 9th at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba here in Brandon, has an amazing array of art to view!!! I have three hand-coloured linocuts in this show. The day following the exhibition’s opening reception there was a lunch and look. Many of us artists with work in the show gathered and spoke about our inspiration and process that resulted in the pieces we brought to life. As a fellow creative, it was a wonderful listening and learning session about other artists’ creative journeys.

“The Boy in the Forest” is a children’s book written by Dustin Glaseman that has come alive on the walls of the Kayes Community Gallery at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba this winter. “Displayed alongside Dustin’s tale of magic and whimsy are original illustrations by local artists who bring to life a woodland realm replete with hognittles, treecreakers, frostnips, and a chorus of other creatures.” My creative friend Dustin Glaseman states "When community helps artists support each other, dreams come true! On now at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba is an exhibition of my treasured picture book, The Boy in the Forest, that I finally get to share with the world. Thank you to everyone who made this possible."

I am thrilled to be part of this creative collaboration on display at the AGSM from 18th December 2025 until 22nd March 2026. For me it was a fun and fantastical creative journey focused on how Dustin's descriptive words ignited my imagination. The public reception for The Boy in the Forest will be in the new year on Thursday, January 15th, starting at 6PM. Stop by to read the story, meet the artists, and enjoy some refreshments! I am looking forward to seeing how the words and visuals come together in this group show. Thank-you Dustin for the invitation to participate in your story The Boy In The Forest!

In November I took part in the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba's Gala of Gifts with a display and sale of my work: quote cards, notebooks, braided penny necklaces, original linocuts, tie-dye t-shirts, totebags, scarves, mugs, artcards and more!

I also led a Holiday Zen workshop at Manitoba Art Network's 210 Gallery in Winnipeg. The 210 Gallery reported that "Saturday’s workshop with Jan Jenkins had a quiet, steady rhythm to it, a few hours of zen-doodling, layering shapes, and turning simple marks into holiday cards. Thanks to everyone who came, settled in, and made the space feel warm and focused." It was a lot of fun, I got to meet some wonderful folks and they created some lovely inserts for their artcards! A huge thank-you to me darlin'B for driving to and fro - 436 km in one day is a LOT of driving.

As we head into 2026, I am readying myself for two group shows with my fellow Drawn Together collective members. I will also be flying to New Zealand with artist friends for creative adventures there as well as preparing my On The Ground body of work to travel the province in 2027 with Manitoba Art Network's "Art Reaches Manitoba" touring exibition program. Thank-you Manitoba Arts Network for selecting me to tour!!

In closing, I am so grateful for all the support of my friends and family, and especially my husband Brian. And I wish you and yours all the very best for the New Year.