Jessica Joy Schmidt

I have been creating art for as long as I can remember. My very first oil painting was over holiday break during second grade. My tonsils and adenoids had been removed and I was staying with my father, who painted with me. He was trying to learn how to use his left hand more accurately after injuring his dominant right hand while working. I thought it was one of the coolest things I had ever done. I continued on through school and my many college transfers; five of them, before receiving my BFA from UW-Milwaukee. Being outside in nature has been my other life long obsession/necessity. Camping, hiking, and just sitting outside is an amazing experience. I have always needed to be able to get remote enough to where I can see no people or houses. It is glorious. While I was still in college at UW-Whitewater in 2008 I decided to take a break. I found a lovely organization that needed a lot of help. Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde, A.C. is a conservation group that works with marine turtles. I have gone back every year to help for the past 12 years. On 8/8/14 I was married there to my wonderful husband Mark. It is my favorite place.