Jeff camden Pencil Art Exhibit Opens Sunday January 13, 2013

 Jeff Camden’s pencil art exhibit opens Sunday, January 13 at the Dahmen Barn

Lewiston artist Jeff Camden’s pencil art is featured January and February at Artisans at the Dahmen Barn in Uniontown.  The opening reception is to be held on Sunday, January 13 from 1 to 3 pm with the artist present and refreshments served.  The exhibit runs through February 24 during winter hours Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.  There is no daily admission fee at the Dahmen Barn and the three storey building is fully handicap accessible.

Art has always been a major part of Jeff Camden's life. His first memories of drawing were at a very young age. People responded well to what he was creating, so of course he created more. His first publication came from a contest he entered for the Missoulian newspaper. He was 15 years old. The rules were simple - create a political cartoon.

Jeff was born in a small rural community in the high desert of Southern Idaho known as Salmon, on August 12, 1971. Growing up, Jeff was lucky enough to travel all over the Northwest, riding horses, hunting, fishing, rockhounding, exploring and just enjoying the great outdoors. The great outdoors of Montana, Idaho and Oregon became his first love. While sitting in classrooms, his thoughts were rarely on what he was supposed to be studying.

As Jeff grew older, he took a job working for the T-Bar Quarterhorse and Cattle Ranch, located about 60 miles west of Great Falls, Montana, in the very small community of Augusta.

Daily work as a ranch hand included pushing cows on horseback, building fences, and bucking bales. All of this while he was just a sophomore in high school. This was the beginning of what would be many years of labor-intensive jobs. He’s worked in sawmills, log homes, construction, firewood packing plants, and finally landscaping.

During all this time, Jeff always felt that there was only one job he should be doing, and that was creating art. Through the years, he’s sold many original works and countless prints. Art to Jeff is about sharing his experiences in his life; sharing his dreams.

Jeff currently lives in Lewiston, Idaho, the gateway to Hells Canyon. Lewiston is an amazing place sitting just 800 feet about sea level. Located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, it is North America's furthest inland seaport. Mild winters and amazing summers make this a great place to live. Within minutes of Lewiston, Jeff can be in the high mountains of Idaho, enjoying the great outdoors - or sitting on a white sand beach on the banks of the Snake River, catching sturgeon.

Jeff’s inspiration for his art comes from these great places and the deep respect and love he has for them.

Jeff’s commitment to creating art is who he is. His goal is to create as much as possible with his main focus on landscape scenes. He creates images of real places and animals as well as imaginary places. Jeff hopes you enjoy the images he creates, and thanks you for your support.

 Artisans at the Dahmen Barn is a non-profit creativity center just off highway 195 in Uniontown.  Winter hours are 10 am to 4 pm Thursday through Sunday.  Information:  www.artisanbarn.org or 509-229-3414.