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Connie Jordan, abstract artist whose works have been sold in every country except China and Japan was found on Wednesday morning. The search began after the JC Record Courier received 2 calls from a Dallas Morning News reporter stating she believed Connie to be here, and was immediately heading down here. Knowing it would take her a good 4+ hours to arrive, I decided to seek Connie out myself, figuring if we had someone famous in our town, “we” should be the 1st to meet her.

Sure enough, there she was, sitting on the porch of the old office, now converted into living space, sketchpad in hand, with easels, brushes and paints nearby. Having no detailed knowledge of Connie, or her history, and no time to “Google” her, I simply introduced myself, told her about the phone call, and began talking.

What a delight she was, a true Texas gal, born in Irving, with her home in Corsicana, a huge smile and twinkling eyes as blue as the Texas sky. In this little smiling package was an humble, true to her Texas roots, unpretentious, common person who has no grasp of her fame, nor does she care. She paints because she loves it, and is happy that others enjoy it as well.

Starting at 5 years old, she told her parents she wanted to be an artist so they set up her drawings in the living room, held a reception with friends and family, and Connie made her 1st five dollars! At Irving High School she failed art, but at the age of 18 she entered an art contest for Kenner Toys, traveled to New York, and was hired by an art broker on the spot.

It’s been uphill for her ever since. She feels blessed to earn her living doing what she loves. She is listed in “Texas Landmarks and Legacies”, and has won numerous prestigious awards, but the one she’s most proud of is “Outstanding Irving High School Graduate”. Nominated by her former history teacher, Neal Dugger, who followed her career, she beat out 3 doctors and 1 attorney.

A biography has also been written about her, titled “Repaint Your Life, Create a Life in Art”. The author was inspired by the free seminars Connie gives to new artists, sharing the ropes of the art world and how to succeed. Her husband and best friend, Chris, manages the business side, while Connie creates. Inspired by emotion, her work is sought after world wide.

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A week ago she came to Johnson City to visit Chris, who is currently working here, and she fell so in love with our town she actually gave her art gallery to her son Billy and his wife Tiffany last week, and is here to stay, for at least a few years. Her inspiration to paint here will be more of a tropical theme, and she just glows when talking about the Hill Country. In a few weeks, her works will be displayed inside the Miller Creek RV General Store, allowing the public to purchase pieces without the broker fees attached. The Smithsonian is going to release 30+ pieces of Connie’s work later this month. She loves people, and you all will love her. I’m so glad I took the time to meet her, and she said she invites all of you to stop by the front porch, where she will be outside working, and visit anytime. You’ll be glad you did!