From burned, carved and stained gourds, gemstones and silver jewelry, bronze and clay sculptures, to photography, Jana Ward’s art displays the repeating patterns of life in the Southwest. Her latest exhibit entitled “Patterns” will be shown through the month of June at the Lost City Museum.

Jana is a native of Washington State, and comes from a family of artists. Artistic activities have been an important part of Jana’s career history. Her first public fine art interest was in terra cotta sculpture. Within a short period of time, her work was receiving attention in the Puget Sound art community. Long interested in photography, her photographs of the Nevada desert received national attention when one of them, taken in the Valley of Fire State Park, was featured on the 2005 Toyota Prius calendar.

Gourd art is a particular interest, and Ward has been working in this medium for more than 15 years. After initial training from the late internationally known gourd artist, Duane Teeters, she combined her interest in gourds with that of the art of the ancient cultures of the Southwest United States.

Before using any patterns on her work, she attempts to understand the meaning of the designs and the possible motivations of the ancient artists. She considers her work as a tribute to those artists who, with limited materials and tools, left such compelling artistry to be admired even today.

At the present time, Jana is working on a wide range of artistic projects. She also has expanded her artistic interests to include designing and making artisan jewelry, with various lines influenced by desert colors and impressions of the Southwest.

Jana is a member of the Moapa Valley Art Guild and the Virgin Valley Artists Association.

The Lost City Museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5.00; children and members enter free. For more information, please call the museum at (702) 397-2193.