Pictured is a watercolor image of Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg painted en plein air by Beth DeJesus on Aug. 20, 2021. DeJesus will bring her talent to LH JAMS Music and Art Festival on Saturday, Aug. 13. PHOTO BY BETH DEJESUS

(Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series spotlighting artists that will be demonstrating their craft during the LH JAMS Music and Art Festival on Aug. 13.)

LOCK HAVEN — Area artist Beth DeJesus is read to paint en plein air during the 7th annual LH JAMS Music and Art Festival.

“I am really looking forward to plein air painting at the LH JAMS Festival in August,” DeJesus said.

DeJesus, of Montgomery, has been painting since the age of three or four, eventually attending Maryland Institute College of Art.

From homes, churches and historic buildings in Lycoming County to Knoebels Amusement Resort and areas of Lewisburg, DeJesus’ art has garnered lots of attention.

“My love of art and making things dates back to my early childhood, but I became interested in plein air painting when I attended the Maryland Institute College of Art, studying under well-known artist Mark Karnes,” DeJesus said. “On the weekends, when the weather is nice, there’s nothing more exciting to me than packing up my car with my oil paints, watercolors and pochade box in tow, exploring the back roads, quaint townscapes of Lycoming County and beyond.”

DeJesus can often be found at baseball games, concerts and other community events — like LH JAMS — documenting life with paint.

“I hope when people see my work, they feel a connection and emotion to what is on the canvas,” she said. “Someone recently said to me that my painting ‘Mowery’s Yellow Barn’ brought back so many warm childhood memories.”

The barn, located in Montgomery, is an iconic landmark for the area along Route 54 and is one of the towns better-known landmarks.

DeJesus is no stranger to the area, having her art displayed in The Station Gallery by the Clinton County Arts Council along with a gallery in Jersey Shore and other areas.

To learn more about DeJesus and view her work, visit www.bethdejesus.com.

Keep an eye out for DeJesus during LH JAMS outdoor festival on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. until well into the evening.

This year, JAMS is a three-day event featuring nearly a dozen bands. It begins on Thursday, Aug. 11, with “Rockin’ the Roxy” featuring Chris LaRose and the Hex Highway Band and Desert Highway, an Eagles Tribute Band. Those interested in attending may purchase a ticket in advance at lhjams.org. Proceeds benefit future LH JAMS festivals and to jump start the Jeff Gummo CCAC Scholarship for the arts.

On Friday, Aug. 12, a block party will take place in downtown Lock Haven beginning at 6 p.m. Main Street from Jay to Vesper and Grove Street from Church to Water will be closed as two State College-based bands — Ted McCloskey and the Hi Fi’s and Velveeta — bring the best rock from years gone by. Attendees can either bring a chair to sit in the street or make a reservation at one of the downtown’s many restaurants.

BETH DEJESUS