The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Artist’s work added to Life’s Simple Treasures
Patrons can view art in the form of portraits, clothing, mugs and greeting cards where they are available for purchase.
Some people realize their calling in life at an early age.
For Jen Brhel that calling was art.
Among her fondest childhood memories is sitting at the kitchen table side by side with her grandfather, each with pencil in hand working on sketches.
“I’ve always drawn, and I’ve always wanted to be an artist,” she said.
Patrons of Life’s Simple Treasures in Willoughby can view Brhel’s work in the form of portraits, clothing, mugs and greeting cards where they are available for purchase. The store, owned by Barb Clark of Mentor, also carries a large selection of home décor, new and vintage jewelry, clothing and more.
Some months ago, when the rear portion of the establishment at 4069 Erie St. became available Clark knew Brhel’s work would correspond with the overall artistic vibe.
The partnership is working out well.
“I thought Jen would fit here because she’s so talented. It’s a great addition, she lights up the shop. Her personality is bigger than her hair,” Clark said referring to Brhel’s profuse mass of black curls. “She has the type of personality that makes anyone feel comfortable.”.
Obvious from the subjects in Brhel’s artwork is her love of dogs. Several portraits feature various breeds of canines. However, her unequivocal favorites are Pomeranians.
In fact, those visiting the store are invited to meet Biscotti, her cuddly Pomeranian puppy whose comfy digs are situated directly next to the drawing easel at which she works.
Compelled to draw subjects which touch her heart, Brhel recently sketched portraits of fallen Mentor police officer Mathew Mazany as gifts to his family. Mazany was killed on June 24 while assisting a fellow officer during a traffic stop.
She heard the tragedy unravel on a police scanner in her Willowick home.
“I heard the whole thing go down,” she said. “It gives me chills just to think about it. It was horrible…right away I knew I had to do something. I’m pro police 110 percent. I have many friends who are policemen.”
Always using what she calls her “old school” method of pen and paper rather than less personal computer-generated forms of artwork, she sketched a portrait of Mazany.
It was shown as part of a fundraiser for Mazany’s family at Spuddy’s Tavern in Mentor. The winning bidder received a portrait with a subject of their choice to be completed by Brhel.
Mazany’s portrait was presented to his family members and then displayed at the police officer’s wake at Monreal Funeral Home in Eastlake.
The family was so moved by her gesture that they requested she attend the funeral. She later drew additional sketches for his loved ones.
Asked how she knows when she’s depicted the true essence of her subject, she said “The eyes capture people and animals. I’ll step away from it and see whether I captured it or not.”
In addition to the portraits and other items available at the shop, Brhel accepts custom orders.
Keeping in line with Brhel’s and Clark’s love of animals is an event to raise funds for Abandoned Animal Welfare. It’s set to take place from 3 to 8 p.m., Dec. 1, at the store.
Twenty percent of sales will be donated to the fund, and there will be a Chinese auction. For more information on Brhel’s artwork, visit her Facebook page. For Life’s Simple Treasures, visit its Facebook page.