| Artist and illustrator John Jude Palencar spent his early years wandering the west side streets and old immigrant neighborhoods in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. After many arduous run-ins with the nuns at the local Catholic school he attended, his family moved to the suburbs when he was in third grade. Eventually entering Midpark High School, John came under the instruction and mentorship of Frederick C. Graff, his high school art instructor, who was also an established artist. After winning numerous art awards and selling a few paintings in high school, John decided to pursue a career in art. He attended the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) on a scholarship, receiving a BFA in 1980. During his college years he worked for the American Greetings Card Company as a freelancer, establishing an impressive list of regional and national clients in editorial, advertising, and corporate art. As a senior at CCAD, he won the top cash award at the Society of Illustrators Student Exhibit
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