By Angela Martin

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (Jamestown Arts Center) – Linda Roesch, like everyone else, had her well laid plans upended by the Coronavirus pandemic.

As a professional visual artist, Linda is often very busy with art shows, gallery exhibits, fairs, commissions and teaching residencies.

Currently, Linda is The Arts Center’s artist in residence. She would normally be teaching a wide range of art lessons in Jamestown’s elementary schools, guiding adult learners through various artistic exercises and sketching or painting live a events around town (she especially enjoys Jamestown’s open mic nights). As for so many others, the pandemic and the necessary safety precautions that came with it has put an abrupt halt to all of these things. 

Social distancing, self-isolation, quarantine, and closures make it very challenging for many to continue making a living. Artists can still create masterpieces… but with the galleries closed, exhibits postponed, fairs and art shows cancelled, schools closed and classes in general also cancelled there are few ways left to share their talents or sell their art works. 

Embracing our new normal, Linda has turned to technology and the virtual platform. You can now find Linda’s wonderfully creative lessons by visiting The Arts Center’s website www.jamestownarts.com. She has created inspiring video lessons for children that explore a variety of media. These videos are free can be accessed at anytime from anywhere! 

Linda is also offering a new series of virtual art classes for teens and adults. These live virtual sessions kick off Friday, May 7 with Big Sky Landscapes. Using the Zoom platform, Linda will guide participants through the creation of their own unique watercolor landscapes, sketchbook journals and plein art paintings. These classes are limited in size to allow for quality, one-on-one attention for each budding artist.

And for younger students, Linda has put together a series of mini Arts After School style lessons so they can continue their artistic journeys. All of these opportunities can be found online at www.jamestownarts.com . 

Later this year, when it is once again safe to do so, The Arts Center will be hosting an exhibition of Linda’s work. In the meantime, if you would like to see a virtual gallery of Linda’s artwork or hire her for a commissioned work please visit her newly updated website at www.sketchingspot.com.