Jude Reinertson has been an artist most of her life, working as a graphic designer for over 30 years. But her passion for watercolors and digital art is a newer expression—starting with a project in Starbuck and growing over the last few years.

“I was commissioned to create a fold-out map of Starbuck and the many surrounding towns in the area—featuring Lake Minnewaska and all the offerings each town is known for,” says Jude. “I started with a graphic layout, but it needed something more illustrative. Then I started experimenting with the iconic deer head, pulled out an old set of watercolor paints for fun, and tried to see if that would click.” It did.

The map now used by the Starbuck Area Chamber of Commerce and the city’s line of greeting cards (and mugs) featuring the deer with familiar Starbuck sights perched on the antlers—an ice cream cone, engineer’s hat, beach towel—are available for purchase at The Depot and Chamber office.

Since working with the chamber 4 years ago, Jude has continued to experiment with water colors as well as digital art. “I’ve dabbled in a variety of forms and styles, so I’ll be bringing that variety to Starbuck,” says Jude. “I’ll have watercolor originals and prints, notecards, greeting cards, stickers, and buttons.” One print features Lake Minnewaska and Jude plans to personalize the piece upon request, with a heart painted to mark any buyer’s home.

Jude will also have painted 3-D fish, tea towels, coasters, Christmas ornaments and a few items from her “JOMO” line—Joy Of Missing Out—for introverts who understand the joy of quiet. Jude laughs, “There’s something about peace and quiet at the lake that fits with JOMO, with fishing, with soaking in the sun and finding rejuvenating silence.”

The Minnesota artist sells her work on Etsy under "JReinArtDesign" and posts her graphic design work on her website, Rhine Design.

The 4th Annual Starbuck Vintage & Artisan Market will be held on the shores of Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck’s City Park. Find artisans, vintage merchants, and food vendors on Friday, August 1st from 4-8 PM and Saturday, August 2nd from 9 AM-4 PM with the Lake Minnewaska Classic Car Show on Saturday from 10 AM-2 PM.