A native of California graduate of Utah State University with a degree in Elementary Education and Fine Arts minor, Elma Jell­a’ has been in the art sphere of activity for many years as a student, as an instructor and as a professional.  Jella’ has won numerous awards for her paintings in mixed media and has held responsible art association positions in Phoenix , Arizona and Sun City Roseville, California.  

     Jella’s art is currently represented, on an ongoing basis, at the Balcony Bistro on Sutter Street in Folsom, California and “Fire and Rain Gallery” in El Dorado Hills, California.      

     Jella’ has studied under Louise Cadillac, Pat Dews, Mary Todd Beam, Betsy Dillard Stroud, Carla O’Connor, Patricia Abraham, Christopher Schink, Skip Lawrence, Alex Powers and Fran Larson.  She currently works with Katherine Chang Liu.

     The artist does not like to tell the viewer what to see but encourages the viewer to decide what is being seen.  She uses brilliant color with complete abandon to surprise the viewer.  Jella’ is innovative, and one cannot foretell what she may display next.  She brings to the viewer an almost visceral reaction that can be earthy and at the same time ethereal.  Initially, the viewer may question the subject matter, but then it soon becomes apparent that you are looking into the mind of the artist -- what Jella’ sees and interprets in her painting.

Jellá awarded 1'st place in mixed media, 
during Roseville Art Center 2002 exhibition

Jellá painted  mask "Hugs", Sutter Hospice 
mask project, sold at auction 2002

.     It is equally apparent that this is an artist who uses her brush with a joie de vivre not often seen.  She is also a technician who applies precise attention to design and composition.  Jella’ puts a little of herself in each abstract painting through the use of color, texture and form to convey the concept of the painting.

     Ask Elma Jella’ how she chooses her subject work.  She may hesitate, appearing not to be sure, but she will finally admit that she paints her passion -- that vision in her mind’s eye.   She does it so easily and with such prolific ease one can hardly wait for more.