The Scribe - Page 14

Folk Art to Fine Art: Jane Vargo Early Creative Roots Jane’s endeavors in art began in the 1970s while being a stay-at-home mom. She ventured into several local oil painting classes through the Oregon Clay School system and neighboring artists. Throughout the 1980s, while raising three sons and working full-time, she and her husband created crafts which they sold under the name of Folk Art (her last name at that time) at the Country Gathering craft shows held in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Her husband crafted benches, shelves, quilt racks, and numerous small items, while Jane painted them all using acrylic Folk Art and Tole painting methods. Balancing Family, Career, and Art As she raised her sons and worked full-time as an administrative assistant for The Andersons, Inc. and Aeroquip Corp. through the 1990s and into the 2000s, Jane set her painting aside. Once her youngest son left for college, she returned to painting as a hobbyist, focusing on watercolor. For five years, she created many works, often with floral subjects and Santa Claus themes. In 2021, she studied painting fundamentals under artist Paul Brand at the Toledo Artist Club, continuing her artistic growth. A New Chapter at the YMCA In 2022, after retirement and years of helping raise six grandchildren, Jane began water therapy at the Wolf Creek YMCA, where she discovered the art program. She joined a drawing class, then acrylic painting, and eventually the advanced art class. Under instructor Heather Nel, she refined her acrylic techniques while finding camaraderie and lasting friendships. Today, Jane continues painting at the YMCA, combining creativity with community. The Scribe - Page 14 QUICK SCROLL Stay-at-home mom turned folk artist evolved through decades of creative growth into accomplished fine art painter.