YAA Member Spotlight: Jess Landis

Artist Jess Landis’s roots with the York Art Association (YAA) run deep. As a young child, she took classes at YAA. Although Jess moved away from the area after high school, her roots eventually brought her back to York in 2020. Looking for art classes and a sense of community, Jess rediscovered YAA.

Over the past several years, Jess has participated in a range of classes, workshops, and pop-ups offered through YAA. Beyond the artistic benefits of the classes, she appreciates the opportunity to learn from local artists she admires and meet other artistically-minded individuals.

Through the classes she has participated in, Jess has continued to develop her style and explore the differences between acrylic and watercolor painting.

“I've learned to be looser and more relaxed in painting and not so focused on doing everything perfectly,” said Jess. “I really feel like I've gone from feeling that imposter syndrome when I first started to now being able to call myself an artist and really mean it. I also realize that there are as many different kinds of art and artists as stars in the sky, and we all have something special to offer each other and the world.”

In addition to participating in classes, Jess has exhibited her work with YAA. When she began painting more in 2023, Jess utilized her goal of exhibiting her work to inspire her creations. “The feeling when something you are working on starts to come together [is amazing],” Jess said. “I love getting the chance to exhibit and share my work with others.”

Jess wishes that more people knew about the classes and exhibitions offered through YAA. “There are so many interesting classes and opportunities to learn different kinds of creative endeavors, and it's so fun to meet kindred spirits,” she said. 

Looking towards the future, Jess is excited for YAA to settle into its new home. “Green is my favorite color, so I am very excited to see the opening of the Little Green Church! With its bold exterior and stained glass windows, I see it being the subject of at least one future painting! I think it will be great to have multiple galleries as well as multiple classrooms.”

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Written by Michaela Shaffer, YAA Marketing Committee Member

Interested in joining as a member?

Contact the office at 717-755-0028 or at office@yorkartassociation.org