(651) 231-2266
Gallery Open Thursday 11-4, Friday 11-5,
Saturday 10-5 and Sunday, 11:30-4:30
(other days by chance or appointment)
Wendy Smith Art
I have always been a creative person and I started drawing at young age. I grew up in Owatonna, Mn where I was always busy doing something creative. I sewed dresses for my dolls and made swimming pools for my little people in the sand box I spent hours making little indian villages out of paper, and I loved making greeting cards. I think I learned to be creative from my father who was always making something, and still to this day is very creative. It wasn't until college that I discovered my tue love of art.
At the age of 19 I started painting. I am primarily self taught but I took several art classes in college from drawing to painting and even ceramics. I did a small gallery show at the college. My professor gave me very high recommendations. I did not know what I wanted to do for a career at that time and I was undergoing some really big changes in my life. I realized I had an abusive addiction to drugs and alcohol and needed some help. I began to straighten out my life with the help of God and a local church. I gave my life and Heart to Jesus Christ. I decided to quit school to focus on my recovery and to try to discover who I was and what I wanted out of life.
After leaving school I soaked up as much knowledge about the Bible and God as I could. I began to sing and was given a guitar . I taught myself how to play and became part of the church worship team. I began pouring out my creativity though my music. I did not focus much on my artwork or painting.
I then found the love of my life and we married. He encouraged me to draw and doodle. My husband Chuck is still my main source of encouragement! I continued with the worship team and became more creative by finding my passion for creating things by scrapbooking and making jewelry. I got better at the jewelry I made and started selling it through craft-sales. Though I sporadically painted, It was not until I was about 32 years old that I started to paint again seriously. I began studying art books and painting every spare minute I had. I realized that I had laid down something that I was once very passionate about! I began to see a growing interest in the Christain body of believers for inspirational artwork. In my own worship time, I began to paint also. I do worship painting and prophetic paintings. Meaning as I worship I feel and allow the Holy Spirit to flow through me and move me to paint certain colors or shapes.
I have exhibited at art fairs across the U.S. and won awards. I exhibit in Galleries in Rochester. I have had solo exhibits and hung art in many public places.
I currently live in Rochester, MN. I am a worship leader at a small church. I also co-own and operate a residential cleaning business with my husband.
I hope you will find my artwork enjoyable and may it bless you. Please feel free to view my art at www.wendess.com