For years, Jennifer Lude defined the "paint and sip" industry with her vibrant, high-energy acrylic landscapes. A specialist in distinctive, neon-bright palettes and mesmerizing blacklight art, her work has always pushed the boundaries of color. Despite her years of mastery, she had never touched oil paints until a 30x40 self-portrait titled "Face Me" changed everything. Under the tutelage of her partner, Michael, Jennifer’s first-ever oil painting didn't just succeed—it dominated. At the prestigious Heartland Artist Juried Exhibition, she swept the awards, taking home both "Popular Choice" and "Best of Show," earning features in both Columbia City and Plymouth newspapers.

​

The Visionary Behind the "Art in the Alley" Movement

Jennifer’s impact on Columbia City transcends the canvas. In 2016, she founded and directed Art in the Alley, a movement that transformed the local landscape. She wasn't just hosting events; she was building an ecosystem. She launched the "Art Block Party," a city-wide exhibition that embedded local artists into downtown businesses for months at a time. Her initiative turned holiday windows into living galleries and Chapman’s Brewery into a hub for public art education.

​

Architect of the Mural Walk and Community Identity. As one half of MJL Entwined Art, Jennifer has been the creative spark for the city's most ambitious projects, including the restoration of 3 story Ghost Mural, the Old “Owl Cigar”, the 6,300 sq. ft. "Community of Hope" mural. To ensure the public truly saw the scale of local talent, she co-created the Columbia City Mural Walk, a professional Photoshop-mapped tour of over 60,000 sq. ft. of public art. Her innovative fundraising efforts—including the high-energy "Paint Around" paintings—didn't just raise money; they caught the eye of major institutions like Three Rivers Bank, leading to over $3,000 in immediate sales for local creators. Today, her work stands as a testament to what happens when natural talent meets a relentless drive for community growth.