Visit South Walton’s 2019 Artist of the Year Jenna Varney’s artwork is on display and for sale at the Foster Gallery in Ruskin Place.
The Foster Gallery features Visit South Walton Artist of the Year by Wendy O. Dixon
Led by the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County, the Foster Gallery in Ruskin Place Artist Colony provides support in the arts community to both the artists and their appreciators, moving forward the CAA’s mission of being “the catalyst for Walton County’s growth as a destination for cultural and artistic excellence through which lives are enriched, economy is stimulated, and community is strengthened.”
Artists are chosen for gallery representation through a quarterly application process and jury selection, and those selected showcase their work as part of a three-month rotation. Jenna Varney, Visit South Walton’s 2019 Artist of the Year, is among the featured artists. Her paintings are on display and for sale at the gallery through the end of October.
Born on Long Island, N.Y, Varney’s artistic talent was noticed early on. She was invited to study with local WaterColor Artist Mary Reay. As a high school student, Varney apprenticed for Modern Contemporary Artist Malcolm Morley. She attended SUNY Farmingdale where she earned a bachelor’s degree with honors. While at college, she met her husband Matt, a pilot in the United States Air Force. Since their marriage, Varney has traveled the world and cataloged the experiences on canvas. They are now settled in Freeport, Fla.
Her childhood memories of life on the Great South Bay, Long Island, N.Y. resonated in her choice of subject matter. Zooming in on the smaller things of everyday coastal life, her style amplifies the natural beauty of each study, going beyond the sense of sight and the power of the lens. In addition to being named Visit South Walton 2019 Artist of The Year, Varney won both the Best In Show and People’s Choice Award at the CAA Annual Member Juried Show 2017. Varney was the 2018 featured artist at the 30th Annual Arts Quest festival produced by the CAA. She was also named 2018 Best Acrylic Paint Artist Visit South Walton.
Jenna is both a fine artist and a graphic designer. She is comfortable working in many mediums; Oil, Acrylic and Watercolor. To see her art work, visit jennavarney.com.
Visit the Foster Gallery online for more information.