Jean Nichols came to northern New Mexico in 1968 and fell in love with the land and people. Her artistic pursuits include graphic illustration, stained glass, painting, sculpture, fiber arts, crafts and more.... 

In the early 1980s, she and partner Alan Siegel started Mountain Ambulance Service (MAS) to fulfill a need in the Penasco area. To help relieve the stress of providing emergency services, Jean started The Laugh Staff - dedicated to "humor for the health of it". Her clown clinics are still an annual event at Sipapu Ski Area, as well as providing stress relief in struggles for peace, justice, & the environment. 

In 1996 Jean started Art For The Heart Studio, an on-going 'art for healing" project of MAS, providing after school art & community classes as well as a gallery to display & sell art, and a community wood shop. Through Art For The Heart, Jean's creativity touches the community,