BOARDMAN — Jenna Hudock is a busy woman.

She’s a teacher at Boardman High School, a mom to two girls, ages 10 and 7, and obtained her master’s degree in 2017 from Kent State University.

Throughout her bustling schedule, Hudock found time to take a minute — or two weeks — and focus on something she loves: art.

“I’m a mom and my kids are getting older, so I can start doing things,” she said.

For two weeks in 2019, Hudock was one of three artists nationwide to attend the Golden Artist Colors residency in New Berlin, N.Y. While there, she was able to devote undivided time to her craft, which she said “was amazing.”

Hudock said she was approached about the residency and finally decided to try. “I submitted eight slides of artwork of my own,” she said.

Some work in the show is from her graduate work, while some showcases pieces from the residency.

Until March 7, 16 pieces of original contemporary work by Hudock are on display at the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown.

Her exhibit is titled “Dissonance and Distortion.”

Explaining the title, Hudock said her works represent that sometimes life isn’t always harmonious, even and perfect. “It’s full of surprises,” she said.

The paintings, when looking at them, are peaceful but chaotic at the same time, Hudock added.

Her life is relatively harmonious, compared to some bumps along the way.

Throughout her career, Hudock said she’s lost her teaching positions with districts due to budget cuts. “It’s awful,” she said.

She turned the disappointment into a fresh canvas. It was in 2016 when she joined the Boardman district, starting at Boardman Center Intermediate as an art teacher, eventually heading to the high school. “I’m honored to be here,” she said.

Hudock teaches intro to digital art and graphics courses.

To get into the mindset for the residency, Hudock said she knew having time solely for painting was enough to get her excited.

“I was ready for it,” she said.

She noted the support of her husband and parents has been instrumental in not only her residency, but also for her obtaining her master’s degree.

“It’s been cool,” she said of the process.

Hudock began art at a young age, looking at exhibits in museums and making masterpieces at home. Eventually, she began taking private lessons as she got input from those around her.

“I often got a lot of positive encouragement from friends and family about my artistic abilities, but mostly it felt good to be in the moment of focused creativity,” she said, noting that it still is rewarding to get positive feedback.

Hudock finds a critical thinking aspect to being creative. “I truly enjoy problem-solving, and art-making involves constant problem-solving on a visual level.”

Mom’s artistic ability is rubbing off on her daughters, Hudock said.

“Drawing, painting, they do clay, resin… They just keep improving,” she said.

When Hudock isn’t painting or teaching art, she can be found in the kitchen, teaching her daughters to bake. “Being a mother of two daughters has been a joyful way to spend the last 10 years,” she said.

The Hudock family enjoys the outdoors, too, she said.

“Last year we purchased a camper and kayaks and fully enjoyed that new hobby because we can enjoy the outdoors together,” Hudock said.

The artist said she wouldn’t have been able to go if it weren’t for her parents and the support of her husband, Boardman native T.J.

Hudock’s support system helped with the girls while she was studying in New York.

Going forward, Hudock said she will still compete in juried shows — meaning the types of shows where she enters her work to be judged.

“I plan to continue to paint, and will enter at least one piece into the Butler mid-year nationalshow and see if I can get a piece in for the third year in a row,” she said.

afox@tribtoday.com