Spotlight Artist 2026

Jay Schreider

April 1-27, 2026

I am a retired state scientist with an appreciation of the wonder and beauty found in nature.  Woodworking provides a consistent creative outlet and a way to celebrate this beauty (and an excuse to acquire more tools).  Starting small, I made household items (cutting boards, display boxes) out of purchased wood, but noticed the abundance of small logs from urban tree trimming operations.  Beginning with a chainsaw, I cut (milled) these logs into boards and dried them in a homemade kiln.  A new chainsaw mill enabled cutting larger logs into slabs.  The natural or “live” edges were left on the slabs.  Preserving the live edge both saves as much of the wood as possible and makes each piece unique.  One of the most exciting parts of the process is seeing beauty when each log is milled.  The shape, grain, and color determine what the finished product will be and how it will be made.  My goal is to bring out that beauty for other people.

Like the milling and construction, finishing has been a learning process.  My first finishes were solvent-based but they quickly transitioned to less intrusive water-based. Walnut oil is used for food safe bowls and cutting boards.  Epoxy may be used to fill cracks and voids and to provide a leveling surface on occasionally uneven wood surfaces. I have recently started working with newer materials such as hard wax oils, ceramic films, and UV cured polymers as potentially safer, easier to apply, and more resilient alternatives. Each step is approached as an adventure and learning experience.

blue tang.jpeg
bookends.jpeg
bowl table.jpeg
box and lid.jpeg
box.jpeg
Brazilian pepper.jpeg
burl bowl.jpeg
butterfly table.jpeg
kiss me.jpeg
large spoon.jpeg
locust bowl.jpeg
mezuzah.jpeg
olive tray.jpeg
Pear bowl.jpeg
salad set.jpeg
small spoon.jpeg

Want to participate in the Spotlight Artist program

Join The Artery's Spotlight Artist Program!

For fifty years, The Artery has been a dynamic hub of artistic expression and community collaboration. As a proud cooperative, we have nurtured countless talents and celebrated diverse artistic visions since our founding in 1974.

We're thrilled to announce our new monthly Spotlight Artist program, launching this March 2024! We invite artists to submit their work for consideration, offering a chance to showcase their creations in our gallery and beyond.

Why Participate?

  • Gain exposure
    Featured artists will have their work showcased in our gallery, customer newsletter reaching over 1200 subscribers, website, and social media channels.

  • Connect with the community
    Our gallery attracts art enthusiasts from all walks of life, including the vibrant crowd during downtown Davis ArtAbout.

  • Sell your art
    Participating artists can also opt to have their work available for sale on our website, with no additional costs.

How to Apply

Interested artists can request the submission form here. Once submitted, your work will undergo a screening process for approval. Please note that the medium, style, or theme should align with our commitment to offering a diverse range of artistic expressions.

Get in Touch

For more information or to discuss specific requirements, please leave a message at (530) 758-8330 to be contacted by our Spotlight staff.

Don't Miss Out

Space is limited, so apply early to secure your spot! Your participation will be contingent upon approval and completion of our contract.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to collaborate with us and showcase your art at The Artery. We can't wait to see your creativity shine!