A colorful life
JCC art teacher injects joy into her days as well as her work
By Alexandra Cash
Staff Writer
Coloring is a common childhood past time. Avé Madiol Veneklasen loved it so much she decided to make it her living.
Veneklasen remembered going to 12 different schools during the course of her K-12 education. Her family moved around a lot because her father worked for a furniture company, Veneklasen said.
However, she didn't exactly complain about the moving. She was brought up in homes rich in artistry. Her grandfather and his brothers were artists. Veneklasen said she remembers listening to their stories about their self- education in art.
Veneklasen said she grew up in a time of social rebellion, free speech and self-discovery. She received full support from her family in all of her artistic pursuits. She said she was always reassured that life is about being who you are and doing what you want rather than the money you can make.
Veneklasen's art is all about freedom of that expression. She has always been influenced by German expressionistic artists. She said that she saw art as a "journey to the self" and is more interested in discovering herself through chalk and paper rather than pleasing people. Her intent is to "share (her) feelings about things."
Veneklasen said her primary focus is women and the figure for her art pieces. She believes this is what people know her best for. However, her art is not to that, she also enjoys painting and drawing still life and landscapes, she said.
Veneklasen, who has a degree in painting from Grand Valley State University, opened Studio DeeplyArt in 2001 at Art 634, an artists' complex owned by Steve Sayles at 634 N. Mechanic St. The former industrial building houses 12 studios and galleries for artists and musicians. It is next door to the National Guard Armory, which will be transformed into the Armory Arts Project, a residential and working complex for about 3 dozen artists. Veneklasen said she believes that it is the most amazing thing happening to this community.
Neeta Delaney, director of the Armory Arts Project, spoke very highly of Veneklasen and her efforts in advancing the art community in Jackson. Delaney said Veneklasen has been helpful many times. When asked to give a description of Veneklasen in three words, she responded with, "passionate, energetic and creative."
Veneklasen has injected herself into the community in many ways. She worked as a board member of the YMCA. She teaches beginning and advanced painting classes at Jackson Community College. And she serves on the Downtown Development Authority as a representative of the art community.
Two noticeable characteristics about Veneklasen are that she is positive and enthusiastic. Veneklasen said she enjoys staying healthy and fit by practicing yoga and weight training, which she believes contribute to feeling good every day. She said she gets creative and spiritual fulfillment everyday through her art. Most of all, Veneklasen said, she believes "happiness is a decision" and it is something that she works on every day.