Jessica Chevalier has been painting for most of her life, but in the last decade, her work has taken on a more public presence, shaped by both place and persistence. Based in Delta and originally from Cedaredge, she draws heavily from the landscapes of the Western Slope, translating familiar ground into something more interpretive without losing its sense of place.

That connection is at the center of the piece that recently earned her recognition in the Colorado Mountain Winefest poster contest. Open to artists across the state, the competition called for work that reflects Western Slope wine culture and viticulture. Chevalier’s painting, an oil on canvas, brings together vineyards, a sweeping sky, and the recognizable form of Mount Garfield, all tied together through the motion of wine itself. The result is something that feels both rooted in the region and expressive of it, rather than simply representational.

The selection marks a notable moment not just for Chevalier, but for the North Fork and surrounding communities. Artists from this side of the valley have not often been at the center of that particular stage, and her work brings a familiar landscape into a broader conversation about Colorado wine and its culture.

Her process reflects a steady balance between daily life and creative work. As a mother of four who homeschools her children, time in the studio is often carved out in pieces rather than long stretches. That rhythm has shaped the way she approaches painting, keeping it closely tied to the pace of life around her rather than separate from it. Much of her inspiration comes from the natural environment, from shifting light to seasonal change, and the way those elements define the Western Slope.

Alongside the recognition from the poster selection, Chevalier continues to show her work locally, with pieces appearing in regional shows and galleries. She works primarily in oil and acrylic, and also offers prints that make her work more accessible to a wider audience.

As part of the Apple Shed’s 35th anniversary celebration, Chevalier will be featured on the opening day with a poster signing and an opportunity for visitors to meet her in person. It’s a fitting way to begin the weekend, tying together local art, wine culture, and the landscape that continues to shape both.