Jacqueline Bequette is a Nebraska artist who at a young age was drawn to nature, writing, drawing, and losing herself singing into a tape recorder. She was scolded for drawing crayon tulips on the underside of the coffee table, but was proud of her garden anyways. On her tenth birthday, the death of her father changed her life as she knew it. Home life shifted to the abusive side.
That is the first time Jacqueline used art to save herself. She spent hours drawing and writing poetry to release her feelings. This continued in high school as she added on classes in the arts, humanities, choir and theatre. Then found, was another love in a psychology course. Jacqueline started to see that there was a connectedness with the arts, emotion and understanding other people. She continued to make art to express herself and her connection to the world. The journey led Jacqueline to a double major in both Art Production and Art Education K-12. She graduated with both degrees, married to her junior high sweetheart and a new baby in her arms.
She went on to teach art in the public schools for over a decade, sharing her passion with over 3,000 students. And in 2006, the death of her dear friend showed Jacqueline that she should live a life by her design today. That is when she also took on her own studio at The Hot Shops Art Center to bring back her own art and voice.
It seemed natural to start teaching from that location as well. Soon workshops were offered for adults, a girls summer camp, and collaboration with Methodist Hospital’s Express Yourself through the Arts program. Jacqueline again used art to inspire, heal and transform.
Currently, Jacqueline works from her home studio, offers workshops, and exhibits locally. Knowing that art can express life, and life can be lived as art, she feels passionate about helping others be empowered by their own self-expression.