Meet the artist, Jenna Naito. 

Artist Statement

My work explores the profound connection between people and place, using acrylics and oils as my primary media. I am fascinated by the way individuals forge strong emotional bonds with specific locations, imbuing them with personal meaning and memories. My goal is to translate the evocative power of these place-based emotions onto canvas, inviting viewers to experience the very essence of my connection to the landscapes I've encountered. Through expressive brushstrokes and a vibrant palette, I strive to capture not just the physical attributes of a place, but also the intangible feelings it evokes – the sense of belonging, wonder, or nostalgia that makes it uniquely significant. I aim to create a visual language that speaks to the deeply personal and often unspoken dialogue between humans and their environment, ultimately inviting viewers to reflect on their own emotional connections to the places that have shaped their lives.

Artist Biography

Jenna Naito, a landscape artist born in Hellertown, Pennsylvania in 1973, developed an early appreciation for art through her grandmother, painter Dorothy Clark. After earning an undergraduate degree in Art Education with a minor in Ceramics, Naito began her career teaching art at the elementary level.  Following her 2018 master's degree in Art Education from Kutztown University, her painting practice shifted towards landscapes inspired by family travels. This exploration gradually led her to focus on the deeply personal connection between people and place, a theme that now dominates her work.