Life & Work with Jill Rumley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Rumley.

Jill, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Longmont Artists’ Guild is a thriving community of artists in Longmont, Colorado. With over 160 members, the Guild has become a prominent organization in the Longmont art scene. We actively participate in various art activities organized by the City of Longmont and Boulder County, including Longmont Arts Week in September, ArtWalk in May and September, the 2nd Saturday Art Crawl, and more. These events provide opportunities for artists to showcase their work and engage with the community.

The Guild was founded in 1957 by Maurene Buethe, Vuna Cederberg, Nellie Cozens, Geraldine Everly, Carrie Nelson, and Edna Peak. Initially meeting at each other’s homes, they moved their meetings to the Callahan House in 1959. We are proud to have played a vital role in fostering artistic growth and community engagement in Longmont over the years. Members have improved their artistic skills through collaboration, sharing experiences, and critiquing each other’s work. Our expansion has increased networking opportunities, professional development, and showcasing artwork through exhibitions.

The Guild holds regular meetings that are open to the public on the second Wednesday of each month from September through May. These meetings serve as a platform for members to connect, learn painting and artistic techniques, share ideas, and discuss upcoming projects. Additionally, we utilize online platforms such as MeetUp and Facebook to facilitate outreach and networking programs. These platforms allow members to connect with other artists, share resources, and collaborate on projects.

One of the key aspects of the Longmont Artists’ Guild is our commitment to providing educational opportunities for our members. We organize workshops focusing on artistic skills, business development, and show preparation. These workshops aim to enhance members’ artistic abilities while equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the art industry.

The Longmont Artists’ Guild welcomes artists working in all art forms. While our primary focus is not on musicians or performance arts, we actively support fellow artists by hiring local talent for our events. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community among artists and promotes cross-disciplinary engagement within the local art scene.

The Longmont Artists’ Guild is a vibrant community of artists in Longmont, Colorado. With our diverse membership base and active participation in various art activities, we provide a platform for artists to showcase their work, connect with other artists, and enhance their artistic skills through educational workshops.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
During the lockdown years of COVID-19, businesses faced numerous challenges, and our organization was no exception. However, we were able to adapt and overcome these obstacles by implementing various strategies. One of the key adjustments we made was transitioning our member meetings to virtual platforms like Zoom. This allowed us to continue engaging with our members and providing them with quality programming that could still take place despite the physical restrictions imposed by the pandemic.

Throughout this period, we were incredibly fortunate to have a supportive member community who stood by us through thick and thin. Their unwavering dedication and commitment played a crucial role in helping us navigate the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. Their continued participation in virtual meetings, active involvement in exhibitions, and ongoing support bolstered our resilience as an organization.

Even in the winter months, when it’s more challenging to attend in-person meetings, we still use ZOOM to engage with our member base and offer quality programs.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have always had a passion for helping others, and throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to assisting artists in various ways. As an artist, web designer, and art business coach, I strive to support and empower fellow artists to succeed in the digital world. My primary focus is coaching artists to effectively communicate their unique style and vision to a broader audience.

My journey in the art world began at a young age when I discovered my love for photography at the age of 12. As the internet gained popularity and became a powerful marketing tool, I recognized its immense potential for artists and musicians. This realization prompted me to delve into the world of web design in the late 1990s, as I saw it as an opportunity to help artists harness the power of online platforms.

Inspired by my mother and grandmother, both talented painters, I naturally followed in their footsteps and began exploring oil painting around 2015. Today, I work with various mediums such as pastels, acrylics, and mixed media, allowing me to continuously expand my artistic horizons.

In addition to my artistic pursuits, I also serve as the President of the Guild in my community. By taking on this role, I aim to provide support and guidance to local artists, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among creative individuals.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Our involvement extends far beyond organizing art exhibitions. We offer a wide range of workshops and classes to facilitate artistic growth. We prioritize building a connected and engaged membership through various means, such as online forums and networking events.

Our monthly programming focuses on art techniques to educate and inspire participants. We collaborate with local businesses in Longmont by hanging art in their establishments. Additionally, we organize social events for networking purposes, providing artists with opportunities to connect and collaborate.

Pricing:

• Individual Membership $30 year
• Family Membership $40
• Business Sponsorship $60

Contact Info:

• Website: www.longmontartistsguild.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longmontartistsguild/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongmontArtistsGuild
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/longmontartistsguild/

Image Credits
Richard Rumley and Jill Rumley