At 87 years young, Jacqueline Woolf is living proof that creativity knows no age — and neither does beauty, curiosity or joy. Petite, radiant and full of energy, Jackie is the kind of woman who enters a room and instantly lights it up. With a spring in her step and a ready smile, she is equally at home in a gallery, at a mahjongg table, or cheering on her grandchildren’s latest achievements.
An experimental artist through and through, Jackie constantly pushes boundaries in her work. She is known for combining textured papers with watercolor and acrylics to build her pieces. Her three-dimensional collages exude color, movement and texture, surprising and delighting the viewer with every glance. The results are breathtakingly light and airy, yet rich with color and passion.
“Art,” Jackie says, “is where I explore, where I discover and where I play.”
Originally from Detroit, Jackie earned her B.S. in art education from Wayne State University and continued her studies at the Center for Creative Studies. For 16 years, she served as a docent at the Detroit Institute of Art, sharing her love and knowledge of art with others. Over the years, her work has been shown in numerous galleries and juried art shows and is now represented in more than 100 private collections. She has also passed along her passion through teaching many adult art classes.
But for all her success in the art world, Jackie is clear about what mattered most to her: family. Married to her beloved husband Elroy for 63 years, Jackie and “Roy” raised three accomplished sons: Randall, a Harvard-educated composer of “New Music”; Scott, a skilled home-renovation expert and underwater photographer; and Tod, a long-time Harvard scientist who also earned his Ph.D. on full scholarship.
“I was always a mother first,” Jackie says. “Even though I had a studio in the house, that door was never off-limits. My boys always came first.”
She encouraged her sons to find their own passions.
“Follow your dream,” she told them. “Your dad and I will be there to cheer you on.” And cheer they are did … watching each of their sons forge remarkable paths with confidence and purpose.
Today, Jackie continues to flourish in Nocatee, Florida. She's an active member of the First Coast Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra Beach, where she recently exhibited three of her stunning works. And she shows no signs of slowing down.
“I get my inspiration from my family,” she says, beaming. “My children and grandchildren keep me young, current and on my toes.” Her goals for the future are beautifully simple: stay healthy, keep painting, nurture her friendships and keep growing.
“Expressing myself through my art is vital to my well-being,” she says. “There's still so much to learn.”
Indeed, Jackie Woolf is far from finished. She is a remarkable woman whose life continues to be a canvas of purpose and inspiration. And for anyone lucky enough to know her, Jackie is more than an artist; she is a masterpiece in her own right.
To inquire about her work, call 941-527-2467 or email Jacquelinewoolfe@gmail.com.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU with Paula
Welcome to “Getting to Know You” with Paula. This column is dedicated to celebrating the vibrant lives of individuals of a “certain age,” who are proving that age is just a number. We’ll shine a spotlight on remarkable seniors in our community who are passionately pursuing their interests, giving back through volunteer work, continuing their education, learning new skills and embracing new challenges.
In a world that often overlooks older adults, this column aims to highlight their incredible stories, unique journeys and invaluable contributions. Join me as we explore their diverse experiences, discover their secrets to staying active and engaged, and inspire readers of all ages to appreciate the richness that life offers at every stage of life. Together, let’s take a moment to celebrate the wisdom, resilience and passion of our community’s seniors, because they truly deserve to be seen and heard.
If you or someone you know would like to be considered for a feature story, please contact me at pmf3641@gmail.com.
