Art as Personal and Professional Development
August 1, 2025 by Kelby
Every Monday morning, Jason Rogers practices law. But on Monday nights, Jason became an oil painter, then a prize winner. More importantly, he became a better lawyer.
Thanks to oil classes led at by instructor Lois Andersen, Rogers' work "3 Eggs in a Nest" was awarded the highest honor at The Umbrella's 2025 Summer Student Showcase. In the wake of this honor, Rogers reflected on how his artistic journey has been a key component of his personal and professional development during the spring semester (read on below).
With registration for fall arts classes opening this Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 1:30 PM, we hope Jason's story encourages you to make time for a creative endeavor this autumn. Whether you're new to a medium or simply returning to dedicated time to practice and evolve, the arts truly enrich everything!
"I’m incredibly honored (and still a little shocked) to share that my painting 3 Eggs in a Nest won the Grand Prize in the S³: An Introduction show at The Umbrella Arts Center.
"Negotiating, counseling and managing risk may be my day job — and one I truly enjoy — but painting has quietly become something just as important: a creative outlet that lets the other half of my brain breathe, and helps me process, recharge, and reimagine.
"What’s surprised me most is how this artistic practice hasn’t just enriched my personal life, but also my professional one. I never thought smearing oil paint late on Monday nights would make me a better inhouse lawyer, but here we are. Turns out creativity, perspective, and a willingness to sit with uncertainty serve you pretty well in both art and law.
"Huge thanks to The Umbrella, my teacher Lois Andersen, and everyone who supported the show. It’s deeply meaningful to be included among such talented artists.
"And to anyone out there juggling a career with a creative itch: scratch it. You might surprise yourself."
- Jason Rogers
