Reflecting, stretching, inhaling deeply and reaching out to offer a few new directions in ways to share this tranquil, restorative, natural environment I call home.  

I have been contemplating my options, experience, equipment, age, and especially my good fortune for some time now.

The premise for Whispering Woodlands began with my desire to share, to inspire, to teach, to question, as well as play, experiment, and create. That hasn't changed or diminished. 10 years of programs, begun in June 2008. As much as things have changed, they also remain the same. I continue to work with several local and regional/national visiting artists & instructors for scheduling their programs.

 The following listing will give you an idea of the scope of my interests, abilities and studio equipment. Let me know if there is something you are interested in learning more about, perhaps a private lesson or with a small group of friends we can get you started.   

As we begin our 18th year in this 21st century, our culture, and as a people, we are all so busy, scheduling weekly programming seems a thing of the past. Weekends are precious and multiple days are often difficult. Our weather seems to have a greater effect on us, especially me as I age. (Heat/humidity, snow removal or icy roadways)  Planning and trying to figure out who is interested in what and when, is getting harder and often disappointing on both sides of the table, instructors and students alike. Demands on people's time is at a premium.

This isn't unique to programming at Whispering Woodlands by any means, as many of you may have experienced these issues at other venues as well.

Yet, I find people still have that desire to continue to learn, to meet in person, interact, and a need to express themselves in creative ways.

To support the life-long learner, and to provide a restbit or retreat from the daily schedules, I offer up some alternatives.  I am in a situation that allows me greater flexibility to meet those needs. If what you are interested in learning or doing is something I know something about, or I may know someone who does, we should talk. Perhaps what you are looking for is a place to rejuvinate your creative muse. I just may be able to help, I do have a great deal of resources at my disposal.

Whispering Woodlands has a large variety of general art making supplies in addition to some unusual and/or specialized equipment for your learning advancement and enjoyment. My personal interests and art endeavors are many and varied. I have had the good fortune to have gathered and collected specific tools that will add to your experiences here. My background in Art Education followed by my Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking/Papermaking/Book Arts compelled me to hunt down these heavy pieces of equipment in the following areas: printmaking, letterpress printing, book making, and paper making. (All hunted and gathered pre-internet! Writing/calling in-state and out of state used equipment dealers, and of course the borrowing of Dad's truck for hauling.) In addition, many of the complimentary techniques that enhance these above mentioned areas are also areas I enjoy sharing, doing and teaching. Included in these, but not limited to by any means are: decorative paper techniques, foundational or playful calligraphy, fiber arts, mixed media, box making, and mosaics.  

In case you haven't figured this out, nature is the inspiration for much of my work, or as my working environment it provides me with the solice to take on other directions.  

The following sub catagories will provide you with sample works and descriptions of instructional workshops that may be arranged individually or as a small group.  Please refer to the page listings and images for clarification.

Sub Catagories 

Workshops conducted by Jackie Hefty 

Papermaking  Decorated Paper Techniques  Calligraphy  Printmaking

Letterpress Printing  Book Making  Book Types  Book Binding/Structures

Mixed Media  Textiles   Mosaics  Boxmaking

Is there a program/process/technique you are interested in learning more about? contact me

Do you & a couple friends want to share a new experience? contact me

Are you looking for opportunities to slow down, calm your being, explore some creative processes?  contact me

Special occasion coming up? (birthday, wedding, showers) that you'd enjoy creating memories together? contact me

We can discuss rates on a fluctuating scale based on complexity/supplies/etc.  If you have been to my studio, you know I most likely have the supplies.

I look to develop working relationships with:

• people interested in exploring their creativity, especially those who don't feel they have a creative bone . . .
• those wishing to try new experiences but perhaps without investing in all the supplies and/or equipment, who 'have always wanted to try that'
• individuals feeling a little 'stuck' or in need of a little inspiration to get recharged in their art
• 'locals' and those regionally nearby interested in a retreat like atmosphere without some of the extra expenses that can add up (travel, motel, dining)
• people who want to get closer to nature and share in its bounty and wonder
• writers, who have a poem or short prose you'd like to see printed in letterpress. (I do the typesetting and teach you to do the printing.)
• artist/instructors that need space to teach/share their techniques with a group
• small groups of families/friends, intergenerational (visiting cousins, aunts, uncles or a class reunion type gathering) looking to share creative opportunities together
• organized youth/adult groups
• the list goes on . . .

As stated at the beginning, having moved here in July 2007, it's been almost 10 years of calling this dome home and studio, Whispering Woodlands.  At that time, work needed to be done to prepare the space and get the word out. Now, it's time to tweak the operations, adjust, and hang on. I am looking forward to the years ahead.