Tuesday's Treasures

On Tuesdays we provide our Faculty an opportunity to feature the talented work of some of our students and friends. You may see a display of creative PhotoShop work, their beautiful photographs or an interesting story about an individual’s meaningful contribution to his or her community, country or the world.If you have memories, old or new, you would like to share, send them to me at mxw8110@yahoo.com.




Today I would like to introduce you to Valerie Jagiello and Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding. I met Valerie in one of my classes and have always been fascinated by the array of images that spill across her computer screen during a simple Photoshop class. I have yet to meet Harry since, sadly, dogs aren’t allowed in our classrooms, but I hope to have the pleasure some day!


Valerie says,

I was born an artist. Through the years I observed life around me and then translated my vision into images. I nearly lost all my ability of expression when I became disabled on December 1st 2000. Due to a life altering fall I lost most of my fine motor skills and could no longer hold or control brushes or chalk. But I am lucky to be at this place in time….as computer graphics software have matured.

The work I do with computers and Photoshop allows me to alter my photographic images or previously created original art work. Both Photoshop and Painter X have allowed me to discover a whole new side of my work and given me back my (artistic) life!

Two years ago I started to take classes at Richland College through the Emeritus Program. Richland’s fine academic programs and my ever increasing knowledge of Photoshop have empowered me with continued growth as the expressive artist I was born to be!

I have chosen two samples of my latest work. The first is a picture of my lad, my love…Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding. Harry, a gentle soul, was born in Birmingham England. While I work in my studio he can be found watching any British TV show on PBS.

The second picture is me. It is often said people look like their pets. Twice a year I get a permanent so we both have curly hair and people will know we are family and related! What do you think?

I hope you enjoy both portraits. In the coming weeks I will be opening a Café Press store (early May) and will announce more about my new endeavor involving these online portraits. Keep watching this column for links and the latest information about my continuing artistic journey.

Remember…..NEVER give up! For those who know me….I NEVER gave up my whimsy!!!”

Valerie and Harry are very special indeed.

Ella Fitzgerald said, “Just don't give up on trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.”