Jean Sylak never dabbled in art—until she got involved in the studio at Judson Park and unlocked a brand-new world of creativity.

The rich artistic programming was not what drew Jean Sylak to Judson Park—but it’s what connects her to the community, inspires creativity with a sense of freedom she never experienced before moving four years ago.

Jean was an elementary school administrator in Shaker Heights Schools, but she never touched art. Curious about Judson’s art therapy programs, she decided to visit the art studio and take some classes.
“When I got here, I had so much freedom to express myself and all the ideas just came out of my head. I don’t even quite know how to explain it.”

Jean’s multi-media collage works will be on display in the George A. Streeter Gallery through January 14, 2025, in a show titled, Wonder: The Art of Discovery.

She adds, “art gives me so much in terms of expression and a way to connect with others.”

The Gift of Art
Sheer delight is a common reaction new friends and neighbors at Judson Park share with Jean—especially with her initiative to deliver handmade cards to every single resident, of course with the help of her dog, Ginger.

“I made the cards colorful and included each person’s name and wrote little messages, something special, like, ‘This is going to be great! Happy Birthday!’” Jean says. “I bet there were about 300 cards throughout the year that I delivered, and it was nice because I stayed and talked with each person,” she says. “That was important to me—I loved doing it.”

Now, Ginger has a little bed in the Judson Park art studio, where Jean spends most of her days getting lost in creativity and trying new media. “I’m enjoying every minute!” she says.

Expanding Creative Horizons
Much of Jean’s work centers on lighthearted motifs—dancing, laughter, love, friendship—and also incorporates playful language. Text collage clippings throughout her works are a characteristic detail Jean discovered by accident.

“The first one just happened,” she relates. “I was tearing through magazines and I found these words: It’s on a journey that will expand your mind.”

Then she happened upon more inspiring words: “We go through what we go through.”

The works that will be presented in her show carry whimsical titles such as, Time to Go!, You Better Watch It!, Dancing all the Colors, and one that gives the gang a chuckle, Adult Fun.

In Let’s Dance!, excerpts from pages of music are clipped and arranged in dynamic layers—tunes like “Chicken on the Fence.”

Time with her art has been rewarding for Jean. “I never thought I would be able to do something like this,” she relates. “But I just like doing it—and I have learned a lot.”

JUDSON SMART LIVING HOWSON & STREETER GALLERIES
1801 Chestnut Hills Drive
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106
judsonsmartliving.org
216.791.2885

Wonder: The Art of Discovery| Jean Sylak, through January 14, 2025