She is a longtime supporter, contributor and familiar face among the Texarkana art community. She puts her heart and soul into every piece she makes, and it shows through her signature piece. An artist of many talents, Jeannie Knod Edwards is the 2020 signature artist for the Women for the Arts’ Party with Picassos.

*During last year’s Party with Picassos event, Jeannie was paired with celebrity, Myra Loving.*

Jeannie graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art. She still enjoys going to art workshops to grow her education and skill in the arts. She was an art teacher at Arkansas High School for 36 years and still gives the occasional workshop. Being a full-time artist, Jeannie has explored many mediums and subjects over the years. She said she always goes back to her love for drawing because she enjoys playing with different value combinations. Everything that comes after the drawing process is icing on the cake. Sketching things out helps get her thoughts together and prepare her for the start of a new piece.

*Jeannie and her two daughters, Jana Edwards and Margaret Wise, and son-in-law, Bill Wise, during an art exhibit in the 1894 Gallery.*

The Texarkana local art community has been a special part of Jeannie’s life for many years. This year marks 21 years that Jeannie has been involved in Party with Picassos. She is a big supporter of local fundraising events and has organized some of the workshops and demonstrations for the Four States Art Club. Jeannie’s artwork is seen in numerous galleries, businesses and homes. Many times, her art has been chosen for the juried exhibitions in TRAHC, the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council, and the Mid-Southern Watercolorists. Within the past year, Jeannie had a show of over 130 works at Texas A&M-Texarkana called the “Big Three-Oh” because her works were made over a span of 30 years. She has received first place in a national pastel juried exhibition as well as her art being selected for other national competitions. Jeannie believes in the importance of lifelong learning and will always look for new ways to improve her skill, increase her artistic foundation and be a progressive artist.

*Former Arkansas High School students Regenia Emanuel and Rebecca Potter attended Jeannie’s solo exhibit at TAMU-T last year.*

For her Party with Picassos signature piece, Jeannie started out with a brightly-colored, mixed media idea. She said, “Sometimes you think you know what you want to do, but then it changes.” Many times, she’ll start out with something, and it will evolve into something completely different, just like this signature piece. Similar to her pieces, Jeannie has watched the Party with Picassos evolve over the years. She remembered that their first event was at the Perot Theatre, and some of her high school students helped present the artwork during the event.

*The art community in Texarkana is very fortunate to have a strong support system.*

“Heart and Soul” is Jeannie’s 4-by-4 square foot signature piece. This drawing highlights the passion of a trombone player doing what he does best. She said she named it “Heart and Soul” because you can really tell that the player is putting a lot into his performance. Her use of charcoal and pastels allowed her to give the perfect amount of detail to the emotion of the player. The texture of the player’s skin was given much thought as Jeannie studied trombone players in preparation for this piece. The sepia tones and neutral color palette allow the facial expression and technique on the trombone to be the focus. One thing she did differently than her other pieces is use a specific white pastel to give a stark white effect. Jeanie used this pastel to give her piece more detail, and it helped her achieve a hyper realistic look.

Being a teacher for 36 years, then proceeding to give private lessons and workshops has given Jeannie a unique perspective about what art does for the community. “Art gives people self-confidence and helps inspire them to be creative,” says Jeannie. She’s been involved in the Texarkana art community as an inspiring teacher, mother, sister and friend. One of the best things about the art community is the opportunity it gives to meet so many new people you wouldn’t have met before. Jeannie mentioned that Christopher’s Framing Accessories Gallery built and assembled the floater frame that supports her signature piece. She is very appreciative of the people in the Texarkana art community that continue to support her work and those around her.

Jeannie has a big heart for her family and has bonded over the art of teaching with her brother, Glen Knod. They were both art teachers at Arkansas High School for many years. She said that they’ve always critiqued each other and even evaluated each other’s students from time to time. Their students steadily performed well in local, state and national art competitions in addition to their participation in their Texarkana Arkansas School District show. Through thick and thin, Jeannie and Glen have always had each other’s backs, especially when it comes to their art. Jeannie’s husband, Richard, two daughters, Jana and Margaret, and son-in-law, Bill Wise, are very supportive of her passion and love for creating art.

Now that we’ve made it to the year 2020, the Party with Picassos is celebrating “Roaring ’20s Style”! This year marks the 21st anniversary of Party with Picassos which is an interactive party with local celebrities, artists, silent and live auctions, raffles, dancing, food and spirits. The exciting week of events begins on Tuesday, March 24, with High Tea with Picassos, followed by Party with Tito’s on Thursday, March 26. Party with Picassos, the main event, will be on Saturday, March 28, and feature entertainment by Jawbone along with members of State Line Avenue Horns. The evening will end with a Midnight Champagne/Breakfast Buffet. Women for the Arts has donated $1.6 million to support TRAHC’s Education Department. WFA support provides FREE admission to art exhibits at the Regional Arts Center, showcasing regional, national and international artists.

Jeannie really appreciates the dedication and year-round work that the Women for the Arts have for the Party with Picassos. Her signature piece for Party with Picassos can be seen on display in the Regional Arts Center, and bids will be accepted during Party with Picassos on March 28.

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