Painting at Pemaquid Point, Maine Image courtesy of Pearl Rosenberg
About
Biography: Jean Allemeier Boot has been an artist all of her life and a printmaker for the past fifteen years. She originally worked in a medical field and returned to school to earn a BFA degree in Studio Art, with a minor in Art History. She now melds her interests of biology and art through her depictions of the natural world, both in original prints and oil paintings. Jean is a juried member of the Society of American Graphic Artists and the Boston Printmakers. Her work has been exhibited in state, national, and international exhibitions. She is represented by LaFontsee Galleries, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she lives and works.
Statement: My artistic practice is focused on drawing, printmaking, and painting as a means to express a distinctive view of my surroundings. I feel a direct connection with the natural world and this association results in my interpretation of a landscape setting, a particular tree, or a still-life floral arrangement. Sometimes a motif beckons right outside of my door. Interesting relationships between value, shape, and color compel me to create my compositions which describe the light and shadow that I perceive. I begin with a sketch or painting from direct observation and complete the remainder of the work in my studio. In both my painting and printmaking processes, I am intrigued by discoveries along the way, which can lead me in unpredictable directions. The creation of a work of art for me always involves a balance—how to simplify the visual information before me…what to leave in or out, as I capture the essence of my experience. ~ Jean Allemeier Boot
“If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” Edward Hopper
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions and Events
2024
Breaking Ground, opening April 27th, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
Reflection, opening July 20, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
SAGA 89th Annual Members Exhibition, October 14 - October 28, with a reception on October 19, Govenors Island, New York, NY
Hot Topic, opening October 26th, LaFontsee Galleries
Biography
Education
Graduate Studies in Studio Art, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
BFA Studio Art, Art History Minor, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI
BS Medical Technology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Gallery Representation
LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49506, (616) 451-9820
Solo Exhibitions
2018 Out of the Woods, solo exhibition of paintings & prints, Frauenthal Center Gallery, Muskegon, MI
EXHIBITIONS
2023
14th Biennial International Miniature Print Exhibition, Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk, CT, and Greenwich Arts Council, Bendheim Gallery, Greenwich, CT
SAGA 88th Annual Members Exhibition, The Old Print Shop, NY, NY
Muskegon Museum of Art’s 94th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, MI
Cut & Paste, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
Aquinas College Alumni Exhibition, September 13 - October 20, 2023, Aquinas College Fine Arts Center, Grand Rapids, MI
SAGA 2nd Annual Mini Gems Print Exhibition, September 2023, Society of American Graphic Artists, Gallery, NY, NY
Here’s the Thing, Group Exhibition, June/July, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
Artists Archives of the Western Reserve presents works from The Society of American Graphic Artists, May 18 - July 1, 2023, Artist Archives of the Western Reserve Gallery, Cleveland, Ohio
Connect, Small prints by members of The Boston Printmakers, Traveling Exhibition, March 5, 2023 – April 5, 2023, Center for Contemporary Printmaking, CT
Unfold, Group exhibition, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI, March 11 - March 25. I will be doing a printmaking demo on March 11.
2022
The Gallery at The Met Store: SAGA l The Society of American Graphic Artists, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York NY
SAGA 87th Annual Members Exhibition, The Salmagundi Club, 7 Fifth Avenue, New York NY
Conceal/Reveal, LaFontsee Galleries Fall Show, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
In Cahoots, LaFontsee Galleries Summer Show, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
The Mini Gems Print Show, Society of American Graphic Artists, June 4 - July 30, SAGA Gallery, New York, NY
Emerging, LaFontsee Galleries Spring Show, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI, I will be doing a Printmaking Demo on May 21, from 11 - 2 PM
Hand to Press, Society of American Graphic Artists, A show of SAGA regional committee members, SAGA Gallery, New York, NY
2021
Liminal, LaFontsee Galleries group exhibition, Grand Rapids, MI
92nd Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, MI
West Michigan Area Show, June 4 - Sept. 12, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, MI
Parsing Dreams, Printmakers Open Forum Broadside Salon Exhibition, March 2021, virtual exhibition curated by The Hand Magazine, http://printmakersopenforum.org/broadside_salon_exhibitions/parsing_dreams
CONNECT: Small Prints by Members of The Boston Printmakers, March 28 - April 16, 2021, Providence Art Club, Providence, R.I., Also an online exhibition at https://providenceartclub.org/product-category/2021/march-28-april-16/boston-print-makers/
Society of American Graphic Artists 86th Members Print Exhibition, March 28 - April 16, 2021, Providence Art Club, Providence, R.I.
2020
7th Biennial FOOTPRINT International Exhibition 2020, Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk, CT
2020 Virtual Arts Festival - Regional Art Show, Grand Rapids, MI
Work of a New Century: The 84th Members Exhibition of the Society of American Graphic Artists, Peeler Art Center, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN
2019
Open Ended, A Continuation, LaFontsee Galleries group exhibition, Grand Rapids, MI
Preserved! Land Conservancy of West Michigan, Frauenthal Center Reception Gallery, Muskegon, MI , LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, Michigan
SAGA 85th Members Print Exhibition, Newark Public Library, Special Collections, Newark, NJ
The Boston Printmakers Traveling Flat File, a members show at multiple venues (fairs and conferences), from 2019 -2020
Rivive, LaFontsee Galleries group exhibition, Grand Rapids, MI
Work of a New Century: The 84th Members Exhibition of the Society of American Graphic Artists, J. Wayne Stark Galleries at Texas A & M College Station, Texas
Hold Dear; Objects to Collect and Cherish, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
2018
National Small Works Exhibition, Washington Printmakers Gallery, Washington, D.
90th Michigan Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, MI
SAGA, 84th Members Print Exhibition, Syracuse University, NY
ArtPrize, the Michigan Connection, Midland Center for the Arts, MI
Michigan Fine Arts Competition, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, MI
Collective, LaFontsee Galleries 30 year show, Grand Rapids, MI
Slightly Obsessive, LaFontsee Galleries, GRand Rapids MI
Jump In, LaFontsee Galleries, Douglas, MI
2017
89th Michigan Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, MI
West Michigan Area Show, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, MI
SAGA 83rd Members Print Exhibition, NY, NY
Perception & Intention, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
Toast, LaFontsee Galleries, Douglas, MI
Everyone in the Pool, LaFontsee Galleries, Douglas, MI
Freshly Considered, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids,
2016
Breaking New Ground, International Print Exhibition, Aberystwyth University, Wales
National Small Works Exhibition, Washington Printmakers Gallery, Washington, D.C.
88th Michigan Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, MI
sELECTED Works, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
Toast, LaFontsee Galleries, Douglas, MI
Everyone in the Pool, LaFontsee Galleries, Douglas, MI
Collective Alchemy, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
2015
SAGA Centennial National Exhibition, NY, NY
87th Michigan Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, MI
West Michigan Area Show, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, MI
2014
ArtPrize 2014, Grand Rapids, MI
4th Biennial Footprint International Competition, Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk, CT
Annual Fall Celebration, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
81st Annual SAGA Members Exhibition, NY, NY
2013
Artprize 2013, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Art Beneath the Bark, Gallery Uptown, Grand Haven, MI
2012
3rd Biennial Footprint International Competition, Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk, CT, Juror: Donald Sultan
84th Michigan Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, MI
The Print Exhibition, 30th Annual Statewide Print Competition, Ann Arbor Art Center
Gallery Turns 25, LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids, MI
First Summer Exhibition, LaFontsee Galleries, Douglas, MI
West Michigan Printmakers, Gallery Uptown, Grand Haven, MI
Artprize 2012, Grand Rapids, Michigan
2011
Boston Printmakers 2011 North American Print Biennial, Framingham, MA, Juror: Jim Dine
Artprize 2011, Grand Rapids, Michigan
2010
Alma College 30th Annual Statewide Print Competition, Alma College, MI
HONORS/AWARDS
2020 Winner of the Ray and Nancy Loeschner Two Dimensional Art Competition, Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI
2018 Juror's Graphics Award, 90th 87th Regional Show, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan
2015 Sponsored Purchase Award, 87th Regional Show, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan
2012 Honorable Mention, The Print Exhibition, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Juror: Norm Stewart
2010 Juror’s Merit Award, Alma College 30th Annual Statewide Print Competition, Juror: Marjorie Devon
Collections
Kohler Art Library, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan
The Newark Public Library, Special Collections, Newark, New Jersey
Syracuse Art Galleries, Syracuse, New York
Manhattan Graphics Center, New York, New York
Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
MidMichigan Health, University of Michigan Health System, Midland, Michigan
Private Collections in the U.S.
Related Experience
2022 Claudia Rilling, Maine Landscape Painting Workshop, Pemaquid Point, Maine
2021 JSS in Civita, Fall 2021, Master Class Residency, with Israel Hershberg, Yael Scalia, and Beth Bernhardt
2021 Catherine Kehoe, Lineage into Paint, online workshop
2021 Claudia Rilling, Maine Landscape Painting Workshop, Pemaquid Point, Maine
2020 - 2023 Claudia Rilling, online painting workshops
2019 Louise Kohrman, multi-plate color etching, Zea Mays Printmaking, Florence, MA,
2018 Scott Conary, Story in the Still Life, Artensity, Ann Arbor, MI
2017 Andrew Wykes, Landscape Painting, Ballinglen Arts Foundation, Co Mayo, Ireland
2016 Jon Redmond, Light: Relationship in the Landscape, Franciscan Center, Lowell, MI
2015 Nancy McCarthy , Color Rules/Color in Nature, Truro Center for the Arts
2014 Catherine Kehoe, Shape into Color, Sedona Arts Center, AZ,
Mitchell Albala, Landscape Painting on Orcas Island, WA
2013 Sharon Sandberg, Painting the Landscape, Jerusalem Studio School, Civita Castellana, Italy
Lynn Peterfreund, Joyce Silverstone, Ink to Paper, Monotype, Zea Mays Printmaking, MA
2012 Shelley Thorstensen, Motivational Intaglio, Women’s Studio Workshop, Rosendale, NY
Louise Kohrman, Color Etching, Zea Mays Printmaking, Florence, MA
Professional Organizations
2022 - Present
Member of Southern Graphics International (SGCI)
2017 - Present
Juried member of The Boston Printmakers, Boston, MA
2013 - Present
Juried Member of SAGA (Society of American Graphic Artists), New York, New York
2020 - Present SAGA Regional Committee Member
2012 - Present
Zea Mays Printmaking Member, Florence, Massachusetts
Publications
SAGA presents 87th Annual Members Exhibition at Salmagundi Club
The 2018 Members Exhibition of the Society of American Graphic Artists, Syracuse University Art Galleries
2018 National Small Works Catalog, The Washington Printmakers Gallery presents the 21st Annual Small Works Exhibition
SAGA Centennial National Exhibition Catalogue, 2015 Society of American Graphic Artists
25 Year Book, 2012, LaFontsee Galleries