Smarty Mom: Judith Voglesonger

Photo credit: Brooke Brown Photography

Smarties, we’re excited to introduce you to the creative flare of Judith Voglesonger. Judith is the mastermind behind JWV Artists, a fabulous concept for Smarty Mamas all over Charlotte. Her mission is simple, to share her love of art and inspire other moms to take down the Pottery Barn prints and move onto the big girl art. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to buy a piece of art. You just have to trust your instincts and go with what you love and what moves you. It will truly reinvent your home.

Judith’s Smarty Mom Stats

Mom of: Weston (8), Anna Grace (6) and Sarah Scott (4)
Married to: Scott for 12 years
Alma Mater: The fine institution, the University of Florida (I just LOVE it when we fellow Gators are drawn to each other!)
Years in Charlotte? 5
Hood: SouthPark
Occupation: Director of Operations at the Voglesonger Household and Owner of JWV Artists

Smarties, let’s get to know Judith Voglesonger!

Tell us about JWV Artists. What is your philosophy behind it?

Most people think they cannot afford original art. They might not know a great deal about art or are intimidated by the gallery scene. JWV Artists brings original and affordable artwork to a setting that is relaxed and pressure free. I search for artists who are both talented and reasonably priced and I bring their work to Charlotte. I serve as a resource for those who are ready to take down their prints and replace them with original pieces. Art has the ability to change the feeling and energy in a room. It may sound a bit abstract, but it’s completely true. JWV Artists allows everyone the opportunity to experience that change.

What is your advice on how to choose art for your home?

Art should speak to you and move you in some way. Artists impart a piece of their souls into each of their works. When you look at a painting or other art form, and it evokes a feeling in you of some kind…that’s when you know it’s a good purchase. Many pieces are pretty, colorful, or interesting…but the key to making a good art purchase is to connect with the piece. It doesn’t matter where you hang it, or if it matches your couch. It only matters that it means something to you. That’s the perfect beginning to a meaningful art collection.

What is your vision with the JWV Spring & Fall Art Shows?

I like to create a relaxed setting for people to view art. My home gallery is easy to find and very casual. My shows start after preschool carpool drop off at (10:00 AM) and end before most older children get off the bus (2:00 PM.) For moms that work outside of the home, I have evening appointments and weekend hours available. Buyers come as they are… with morning hair, in yoga clothes or straight from the gym (or all 3!). Once here, it’s nice to stroll around the gallery and take it all in. I allow buyers to take art home with them on loan, hang it on their walls and see if it works in their space. This also allows buyers to share the piece with their spouses and friends, and make a final decision as to whether it works.

Do you have to spend a fortune to find the perfect painting for your home?

One could very easily spend a fortune on the perfect painting for your home, but it’s not necessary. My goal is to identify talented and reasonably priced artists and bring their work to market. This will allow buyers the option of bringing home multiple pieces of original art for what they could have spent on just one piece elsewhere.

What is the funniest thing your kids have ever said?

I keep a journal of ‘Things I never want to forget’ for each of my children. It’s hard to choose just one funny thing and many funny stories come to mind. One time in particular, Anna Grace was happily enjoying some pizza. She said, ‘Mom, I’m in love with pizza’ to which I replied, ‘Why don’t you marry it?’ and she said with an incredulous look on her face, ‘BECAUSE PIZZA CAN’T DANCE!’ ☺

What is your favorite spring activity to do as a family?

We love being outdoors. We moved from Florida and still haven’t acclimated to winters in Charlotte. So when the sun is shining and it’s warm outside, that’s where you’ll find us. Swinging, jumping rope, playing with sidewalk chalk, picking flowers, riding bikes, digging for rollie pollies, and hiking down the creek in our backyard. We picnic, grill, garden and laze…and we love it!

Favorite place to take the whole fam to dinner?

We are devout ‘Aztecans.’ We love Azteca and have to go there at least once a week. I’m not sure what they put in the queso, but if my kids go for more than a week without it, they start to experience Azteca withdrawal.

Favorite gal pals lunch spot?

I love to be anywhere with my girlfriends, but I’d have to say my favorite gal pal lunch spot is my kitchen. I love to cook and enjoy the comfort and warmth of a nice meal, prepared with love and eaten in my favorite place, my home.

Best date night outing?

When we have an opportunity for date night, we usually find ourselves at Yama Asian Fusion gorging ourselves on delicious sushi and catching up on the week (without interruption.)

Best book you’ve read lately?

I read and enjoyed The Hunger Games trilogy. But the best book I’ve read recently is ‘The Help’ – I think it was very well written and quite poignant.

Best movie?

My favorite childhood movie is ‘The Music Man’ — I’m a sucker for a musical and something about Robert Preston’s performance in ‘The Music Man’ enchanted me when I was 7 years old. It’s been my favorite ever since.

Favorite Smarty phone app?

I’m a cavewoman when it comes to technology. I still have a BLACKBERRY, but my iphone 4S has at least been ordered!

Favorite educational website?

I’ve found that CMS is really light on their Math and Science curriculum. In an attempt to enrich my children’s math knowledge, I’ve signed up for ixl.com. It’s a great way for them to supplement their learning and keep them on track with grade level curriculum.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since becoming a mom?

Probably that my children are their own little people…they are not me or my husband…and they don’t have to be. They are individuals and they have their own interests, likes and dislikes. It used to confuse and confound me in some ways. Now I’ve learned to embrace their individualism and run with it.

Favorite thing about being a mother?

First and foremost, to love and be loved…but I also enjoy teaching my children about the world, about life, and about right and wrong…I enjoy helping them work through their observations and judgments…I love answering their questions and helping them learn about themselves along the way. We moms are in the business of growing people…it’s not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure…but what an amazing opportunity!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I envision myself right here in Southpark with a happy, healthy family and a business that has grown tremendously. My goal is to grow JWV Artists into a resource for private buyers, designers and businesses looking to begin or expand their art collections.

I could not live without my…

family and friends. I am so fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive family and the best girlfriends anyone could hope to have. I’m really grateful for the love and friendship in my life.

Don’t miss the Spring JWV Artists Spring Show!

JWV Artists is hosting a Spring Art Show on April 18-21. Address is 3330 Cambria Road, Charlotte NC 28210 (Mountainbrook Neighborhood). Come as you are from 10a-2p or for evening/weekend appointment times, email Judith at judith@jwvartists.com.

Enjoy the JWV Artists lookbook below. Isn’t it incredible?