Peggy Jo Hegbar
I began painting in 1999 when a dear friend, Joyce, invited me to take watercolor classes with her. I told her I was creative but not artistic, and kindly declined. I had never been encouraged in my artwork-certainly not in school- so I figured, “Why bother?” But my friend persisted, offering me the use of her paints, brushes, and papers, so I finally relented and agreed to spend the money for the class.
To my surprise, I loved it!! And what’s more, I sold the second piece I ever painted-a beautiful yellow sunflower!! Five years later, I had my first art gallery opening at Art Metro Gallery in Cleveland, Ohio (spring of 2004), and I have been a part of many shows since that time. I have taught watercolor locally as well as in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada and Albuquerque, NM, and have exhibited paintings at The Wolf Creek Environmental Center in Sharon Ctr., OH, Wadsworth Art Show, and at the North Peace Gallery in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada. One additional joy has been to paint commissioned pieces for friends and others, as well as to have my works in private collections across the United States and Canada.
In 2002, I began making Wisdom Dolls for women who were experiencing significant milestones in their lives (see write-up and photos under art section), and began making beaded jewelry (photos to follow). Both of these expressions of art bring me great joy, and I hope you will enjoy them, too.