Jenny Phillips
Acrylic on Canvas, Pen and Ink,
Prints & Originals
Jenny Phillips is best known throughout Ontario as an artist who delights in recording images of, our vanishing rural landscape of southwestern Ontario.
About the artist...
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.
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.
Town Crier Dave
Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!
In 1990 David Phillips, on a whim, entered a local town crier competition as part of the Village of Dutton’s centennial celebrations. Dave wore Scottish attire to reflect the heritage of Dutton, home of the former annual Highland Games. He was amazed that he won. Then for several years, every Saturday, rain or shine, sleet or snow, Town Crier Dave visited Down Town Dutton shops and cried a special promotional message for each.
Dave became a member of the Ontario Guild of Town Criers and was given a life time membership. He has competed at invitational competitions, regional, provincial, U.S. and World competitions. He enjoys the comradery of his fellow guild members as well as their support in learning the ancient and honorable art of Town Crying.
A number of years later after hosting a provincial match, Dave was appointed Town Crier for the County of Elgin. Town crying has introduced Dave and his wife, artist Jenny Phillips to many communities, events and dignitaries.
Today they invite the public, church groups, bus tours, scouts, guides, home schoolers, etc. to visit Village Crier Gallery. Jenny loves to tell the stories behind every painting and sketch. Dave is happy to teach and entertain his visitors with the history of this ancient and honourable craft. Time is always made for personal photo ops with the crier.
To see Town Crier Dave in action and uniform, please book an appointment a few days or weeks ahead. The larger the group the more advanced notice is needed. Down Town Dutton has many interesting shops and eateries to explore. If desired, reservations and parking can be booked on request. We can make all the arrangements. There is no charge for this service.
Call 519-762-2862 or email: jennyphillips@golden.net