jim mackey is the featured artist for January and February 2026. Learn more about jim:
What is your source of inspiration?
My life experiences are my main source of inspiration, along with inspiration from sources outside myself that I don’t know from where.
How would I describe my Art?
My Art is a search for rigorous honesty and is often very raw; reaching out to grab hearts and minds of viewers.
What do I enjoy most about creating new Art?
I have a need to keep doing Art to help keep ahead of the demons that follow me… not sure I would say enjoy; although I do enjoy the results of a piece of Art succeeding.
How do I start new work?
A random song or thought pops in my head; also, a show call with a theme.
Is my process always the same?
No.
If not, how does it change?
It changes out of the need to not be boxed in and the angle of attack necessary to proceed.
Do I have a favorite or “go to” technique when starting work?
I am consumed with fear every time I start a new piece; so, I find just risking it and begin.
Do I have a favorite medium?
Found objects and collage are my favorites. I am also very fond of primitive sculptures out of wood.
Has my preference changed over the years?
No.
Do I ever experience creative blocks?
Yes, it is in the form of fear that I will fail.
If so, how do I rejuvenate my creativity?
Read about another Artist, and just make one stroke of the brush on a surface… that usually works.
My favorite quote, which at this moment I can’t remember quite correctly, but it is by Leonard Bernstein… “to do something great, you need a good idea and not enough time”
Do I have any current or future projects to share?
I have multiple projects in my head, plus a large one man show coming up this Summer at the Carlisle Arts Learning Center.
Visit & View
You can visit jim’s work at the Dillsburg Area Public Library in January and February 2026.
Library hours are 10am-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-3pm Friday, and 10am-5pm Saturday. The Library closed at 3pm on Saturdays between July 1 and Labor Day.
Dillsburg Library is at 204 Mumper Lane, Dillsburg, PA.