Judy Jarrett
Sandwiched between highway 76 and Columbia Avenue, in the heart of Chapin, lies a small one-way street, Beaufort Street, home to a smattering of shops. Nestled among these shops is the studio of artist, Judy Jarrett, owner of ArtCan Studios. Upon entering the studio, one is greeted by magnificent waterfalls, opulent flowers, and vast farmlands. The paintings are so breath-taking, the peeling paint on the walls went unnoticed until Jarrett pointed it out. “The paint won’t stay on the walls,” says Jarrett, “but my studio has character.” Built in 1908, as the First Chapin Bank, Jarrett’s building recently celebrated its 110th anniversary. She is proud of its historical significance as well as the significance of the surrounding structures. The walls of her studio are thick, affording her precious quiet time to focus on her upcoming art show at the University of Georgia (UGA).
When asked if she has always been interested in painting, Jarrett’s passionate response was, “I’ve known always and forever that I wanted to paint.” She goes on to say she didn’t have the option of taking art classes in school, however, English was her co-first love along with art, so she moved from Georgia to South Carolina to attend Presbyterian College as an English major. Jarrett taught English for 21 years, her last twelve at Chapin High School. “I loved teaching, but was ready to do something else,” says Jarrett of retiring from teaching. Her painting became a dedicated process starting in the mid to late 70s, and she was fortunate to study watercolor with Robert Mills, who was from Chapin. She also studied with Erica Hoyt, among many other national teachers. “My training is just via workshops and a learning process.”
As we spoke, she drew my attention to three magnificent pieces, on two of which were mounted actual violins, and the third boasted a guitar. Included in these pieces were parts from old clocks, and words cut from reading material were incorporated as verses or quotes. Jarrett labeled these as mixed media pieces, which she has been working with for the past 8 years. One piece in particular held a special place in her heart. It integrated a beautiful violin, mounted with the back facing out because of the stunning wood pattern, and a wooden angel wing which belonged to her mother. After sharing these unique pieces, Jarrett declared, “I don’t do boring!”
When questioned about her process of choosing what her next piece will be, she responded, “I do a lot of commission work, so I’m subject to the things that people want for their homes. The other part is that I usually have some kind of project going.” Jarrett says she chooses a theme or a title, and tries to work the art in with the title. Her upcoming art show at UGA is titled ‘In Perfect Harmony: Art and Nature’. “I’m using lots of waterfalls, and the harmony part comes in with the mixed media musical instruments,” says Jarrett. Her waterfalls are done with a palette knife, and she uses a gel medium to thicken the paint for added texture.
When questioned about her process of choosing what her next piece will be, she responded, “I do a lot of commission work, so I’m subject to the things that people want for their homes. The other part is that I usually have some kind of project going.” Jarrett says she chooses a theme or a title, and tries to work the art in with the title. Her upcoming art show at UGA is titled ‘In Perfect Harmony: Art and Nature’. “I’m using lots of waterfalls, and the harmony part comes in with the mixed media musical instruments,” says Jarrett. Her waterfalls are done with a palette knife, and she uses a gel medium to thicken the paint for added texture.
Her thoughts on her best piece of work thus far? “What I’ll do tomorrow,” she says. “I always feel like the best is yet to come, so I always anticipate what’s next.” Jarrett says she’s been blessed with a tremendous number of opportunities, including creating labels for Chateau Elan Wineries and designing art for the botanical gardens at UGA.
Although not a native of Chapin, Jarrett has been in the area for 48 years, opening her gallery 28 years ago on June 1, 1990. “The Chapin community is very much home, and when I retire, my hope is that I’ve brought a little bit of beauty to the area, and a little exposure. I have a lot of people who buy their first piece of original art here”, says Jarrett. In some ways, Jarrett is still a teacher. She provides education for people who are not familiar with the process. “I always like to talk about how something is done, if someone is interested in hearing about that. “
Jarrett is concerned that because of the way the traffic pattern flows in Chapin, there are many people who don’t know about Beaufort Street, the first retail street in Chapin. “Because of the buildings erected across the street, we are not visible. Sometimes people get off the interstate and just find us. I want people to know, especially people who live in Chapin, that we’re here.” Jarrett is appreciative of the people who have supported her all these years, and is grateful for the opportunities and experiences art has brought her.
“I just hope to spread a little color around this place, and the older I get, the brighter I paint.”
