JEWEL SHIELD ARTS BIO/RESUME
MUSICIAN * ARTIST * TEACHER
I have loved the
visual arts and music all my life.
In my high school years I developed a passion for helping others and
using the arts in a “therapeutic” sense because they offer a means for
expression, creativity, communication and joy.
I discovered how the arts could influence and effect my well being as
well as those around me and used as a tool for creating harmony, good and
beauty in the world.
When in High School, after taking all the possible art classes I
could, I did independent studies in art as well as cadet taught ceramics and
painting in my junior year. I graduated in l975 as a junior at age 16 and
went on to college as an art major.
I attended the University of Northern Iowa and in l980 graduated from
Drake University with a BFA in Ceramics as well as my studies in Creative
Arts Therapy and Psychology. It
is there where I also began my life long love and passion for the study and
creation of mandala arts. I taught
children’s ceramics at Valley Art Association in Forest Grove for a number
of years as well as served on their board of directors.
With my background in
visual arts and creative arts therapy I have created an enriching holistic
approach to teaching. I have taught workshops on harp and Autoharp as well
as the joy of music classes with children privately as well as in groups. I
also have had the joy of teaching private harp lessons to others from ages 5
to 83 for over the past two decades and continue to do so.
From l993 to the present I have participated in several exhibits
with my ceramic work. I also
have sold my work through galleries in Arizona as well as Lawrence Gallery,
Valley Art Association, Kathleen’s of Dublin as well as private studio
shows, and participation in Yamhill County Art Harvest Studio Tour.
During my college years I also discovered and fell in love with
the world of folk and traditional international music through National
Public Radio programs. My own desire to “find my instrument” led me to
exploring the guitar, mandolin, the Autoharp (chorded zither) and the
finally the folk harp, all of which I taught myself to play. In 1983 after
playing Autoharp for 3 years, I won first place in the International
Autoharp championship at the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield,
Kansas. I got on stage and closed my eyes to play in order to overcome my
fear and self-consciousness of playing in front of others. This led to
touring and performances as well as workshops, programs at festivals,
concerts at colleges, schools, and performances on Public TV and Radio
Programs. Also, I designed the “Jewel Chromaharp” which was manufactured and
marketed through the educational Music Company Rhythm Band Inc.
26 years later, I still continue to play my harp for art
festivals and events, as well as for private functions.
For the past 15 years or so I also have been providing therapeutic
healing harp music for patients and staff at Legacy Hospital in Portland.
I have also performed for
Retirement, Nursing Homes and Senior Citizen Centers in the region.
Now I reside in the beauty of Yamhill County countryside with my husband, Jan and our family of cats, dog, lamas and goats. We call our place Dancing Trees Sanctuary for the arts. Nature is my continued source of inspiration and the beauty of my surroundings adds to my artistic expression.
Thank you for visiting my web site and for taking the time to read of my journey.
~ Jewel ~