Jackie Campbell of Parker has recently completed a large, 12 ft. x 7 ft., mural in the home of Terry and Mary Herron. The Herrons wanted a Rocky Mountain landscape and Jackie decided on a mountain scene that would "invite the viewer in." See photo. She put in a path as a place to go into the work, and a mountain stream to cool the mountains warm colors down. Both aspen and pine were included. Jackie also wanted to have an open space, a meadow, area where the viewer could rest for a bit. She says, "It was so large, I felt like I was part of the scene the entire time. I loved every minute of it!"

Jackie has been teaching art for over 15 years in both art classes and personal art lessons. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. While she has been teaching High School and Middle School art classes locally for the last 3 years, within the last 6 years she has been specializing in tile painting where her passion remains.

Jackie applies china paint, a glaze, to pre-fired ceramic or porcelain tile. When fired in a kiln, it melts. As it cools, it adheres to the tile and becomes a layer of glass which is as strong as the tile. Because of this strength it can be used for numerous applications and not be damaged. These tiles are great above fireplaces, as entry way murals, indoor/outdoor table tops, murals in showers, backsplashes, general murals, and even in kitchens.

"When I started painting and firing tiles," Jackie adds, "I knew it was so different and so wonderful that people would love the expression it allows them to bring into their own worlds. I wanted to bring the 'fine arts' into tile work. People should know that their choices aren't limited to the stamped tiles I see in the current market place. My love for this medium and the results we can create has only grown. I want to share that with as many people as I can. They're going to love it!"

Husband Richard and her four children are Jackie's first loves and it is hard to imagine being able to devote much time to teaching and painting. However she is also President of the 250 member strong Parker Artists Guild, devoting countless hours to helping others in the Parker community develop their love of fine art.

Examples of Jackie Campbell's tile art are currently, until 30 September, on display at The Wildlife Experience Museum (Peoria & Lincoln) in Parker Artist's Guild exhibit "A Celebration of Nature." For more information go to her web site at www.campbellscreativeart.com.