Episode 6 - Jenny Siegfried, Artist, Educator & Outdoor Enthusiast
On this episode Melissa talks with Jenny Siegfried, a mixed-media artist, illustrator, Public School Art Teacher in NYC and quite possibly one of the nation’s most enthusiastic outdoor fans. When she’s not in the classroom, Jenny is often exploring the trails of the greater New York Metropolitan region, running, hiking and creating beautiful drawings and paintings right out in the elements. She talks with Melissa about art education, how she has learned to adapt her art making process for the outdoors and both the fortuitious and sometimes accidental path she took to get there. Jenny is super passionate about spending time in nature and about giving back to our lands. She has volunteered for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy on trail maintenance projects way out in the back country and even spent time as Artist in Residence in The Great Smokies National Park!
Melissa first met Jenny on a hike in early 2019. As one of the regular participants of the Gotta Hike Public Transit Series Hikes, Jenny’s enthusiasm for spending time outdoors and her appreciation for the beauty of nature is infectious. Her participation always brings smiles to the other hikers as well. Their conversation occurred in early January of 2020. The plan was to air it just ahead of the April Public Transit Series Hike, as Jenny was going to be leading a small art-making workshop during that hike. Of course, as of the publication date of this podcast, all Girl Gotta Hike in person events are on hold as a result of the social distancing recommendations for Covid-19. When gatherings are safe again, Melissa can’t wait to have Jenny host an art-making workshop on trail!
Show Notes / Useful links:
Jenny Siefried website
Jenny’s Instagram
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
