Jenny Phillips is best known throughout Ontario as an artist
who delights in recording on canvas or paper, our vanishing rural
landscape of southwestern Ontario. At one point in her artistic
career folks called her the “horse artist” but today Jenny does
not limit herself to any one subject. She has always loved animals
and flowers, so when her grandchildren came along, she broadened
her interest more, so that today, she paints historic buildings,
animal and equine portraits, children at play and horticulture,
basically whatever catches her fancy. For many years she was seen
painting and exhibiting at ploughing matches, steam shows and
historical events.
Jenny Phillips is a woman of many talents. Her lighthearted cartoons of life
on the farm were a feature of ‘Farming Today,’ her column “Her’ story n. –
history” © was a popular, regular feature in the local Dutton-Dunwich Horizon
until the paper ceased.
Jenny has had some severe health problems but she likes to tell folks . . .
“nothing lasts forever . . . not the good times or the bad; so savor each
moment of every day you are here.”
Today she still paints everyday but may also be found at her computer writing
or transcribing the early writings of John Kenneth Galbraith. Her first book
“Does It Pay?” is now available. Click on the above “Book Publishing” to read
more. Jenny was selected as the feature artist for the 2010 International
Plowing Match held near the St. Thomas Airport September 21-25. Her painting,
“Honouring Elgin’s Past Provincial Ploughing Matches” appeared on the
promotional posters and as a limited edition print.
Jenny no longer travels around as much with her paintings but rather allows
the public to view her original artwork, prints and book in the comfort of
Jenny’s gallery on the main street of Dutton. Jenny’s shop – the Village
Crier Gallery & Frame Shop has currently undergone extensive renovations
to the century old building which includes an elaborate copper-coloured tin
ceiling, an exposed brick wall and a wide pine plank floor.
The show room can accommodate groups of up to 30 and Jenny is pleased to host
a meeting, with at least a week’s notice, she might even find some
refreshments. Jenny has a story to tell about each painting and is happy to
answer any questions that may arise whether about her artwork, book or just
about art in general. She is always happy to help young folks learn more about
art, history and agriculture..
To contact Jenny e-mail
jennyphillips@golden.net
or phone 519-762-2862 or visit her website www.villagecrierdutton.ca and
www.jennyphillipsdutton.ca
There are many changes coming to the website in the months ahead so keep an
eye on it.