vARTIST continued from page 7 library of books, photos, etc. spanning the classics to modern art. Jessi likes to use a variety of sources including old calendars for inspiration. While reference materials are available, both Sue and Jessi try to encourage students’ originality and creating from within. Regarding creating from within, I was also curious to learn more about these talented artists I was interviewing. What inspired them to a life of creating? What has their journey to the present day looked like? How did they become interested in instructing art students? Sue and Jessi both worked in Yankton group homes and knew each other from their previous jobs. Currently, they share many of the same students and work together to support and encourage their budding artists. While Sue and Jessi share many of the same interests and love of art, their journeys differ. Growing up in Alabama, Sue has been painting in some form or another since she was a young girl. At eleven years old, Sue describes looking up to her older cousin who was a painter. “I remember visiting my cousin at her art studio at Auburn University. I can still remember the smell of the oil paint”. Sue’s mother enrolled her in art classes where she had the misfortune of an instructor who would “walk past her work and scrape the paint off of the canvas” telling her to start over. This experience affected Sue who remembers vowing at the age of twelve or thirteen to encourage and teach art to children when she grew-up. Later in life and with encouragement of her husband, Sue attended Kelly King Art School in Omaha, Nebraska. She learned the art of decorative wall finishes and faux painting which she took back to Alabama and operated her successful business named “Fair and Faux”. She completed her first few jobs and the word spread about the amazing work she did. It was not long, and she needed to hire additional help! After running Fair and Faux for several years her husband decided to retire. They made the decision to move away from Alabama, and in 2005 they landed in Yankton a place they had visited in previous years. As a child, Sue remembers thinking “I am going to live in the Midwest someday. It is where I belong”. Once in Yankton, Sue took a job in a group home. She also taught classes in a downtown studio before acquiring eight ABS artists from another Yankton studio which was closing its doors. Moving forward, Sue needed a classroom to teach her students. She was able to utilize an available space at a local church until moving to her current location at the NFAA. Jessi’s journey started in Yankton, as she is a “Yanktonian” born and raised. She declares “ever since I was able to hold a pencil I have been drawing.” Jessi has fond memories of an aunt she spent a large amount of time with. Her aunt taught her how to garden, bake, work with crafts and always supported Jessi’s creative nature. As she grew-up and remained interested in art, Jessi attended the Academy of Art where she learned different techniques and mediums. Continuing to create, she began working in an assisted living home which she loved. The people she worked with reminded her of the classmates who attended special education classes when she attended grade school. Jessi liked being around their unique perspectives and how they see the world. One day a window opened, and Jessie received a call from a friend who works at ABS. She wanted to know if Jessi would provide some advice and input to opening an art center at ABS. Jessi was happy to assist, and it was not long after she was offered the position to direct the studio. Both artists expressed they are “right where they want to be”. I asked them what they would like to see for their future. Jessi indicated her dream to grow Courage Art Studio into a Suzie Cappa Center model with a studio and gallery for artists of all abilities in Yankton. Sue expressed her desire to continue encouraging her students and to interest more youth with art. She would also like to expand all her classes offering more for adults. I asked what if any supplies are needed in their studios. Overall, canvas’ and other painting surfaces rated high on both of their lists. Jessi indicated she likes receiving any kind of odd items, scraps, old paint, colored pencils, fabric ribbon, etc. for use in projects. Jessi and Sue continue to find ways to inspire students through art. They work to gain exposure for their artists, promote and help them sell their creations, and to increase their involvement in community events and activities. Moving into the future with their vision and goals in mind these two ladies are sure to make a difference in the lives of so many. Their passion for the arts and dedication to inspire and encourage others is truly extraordinary. n NatureScapingDesigns.com 605-661-1205 HERVOICEvJULY/AUGUST 2019v15