Mat-Su college to host national artist

April 29, 2005

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - Nationally renowned artist, Jeanne MacKenzie, is teaching a five-day oil painting workshop at Mat-Su College, beginning May 16.

The workshop focuses on floral painting and includes lectures and slide shows along with actual hands on practice.

MacKenzie's artwork earned her Merit Awards and has also been displayed in art shows nationwide, including the prestigious Arts for the Parks Top 100. MacKenzie was also featured in International Artist Magazine.

She currently teaches painting workshops throughout the country and works at the Denver Art Museum, teaching painting and color theory.

On Monday, May 16, a free lecture and slide show will kick off the seminar. The actual workshop runs May 17-20, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and costs $150 per person.

Mat-Su Fine Arts Coordinator Suzanne Bach said MacKenzie is a great resource for Mat-Su artists who want to hone their skills.

"We have a lot of opportunities with local artists, but workshops generated from traveling artists offer a more intense study where you can focus on learning techniques in a short amount of time, while working every day," MacKenzie said.

MacKenzie's work is primarily representational art with a more classical approach to painting.

Those interested in attending the workshop must register in advance. Space is limited to 18 attendees, and people can register online at www.matsu.alaska.edu.

Contact Joel Davidson at 352-2266, or joel.davidson@

frontiersman.com.