Carson Valley has an unmistakable air of rich tradition intermingled with sweeping landscapes and beloved mountain backdrops. Perhaps this was the equation for cherished local artist Mimi Jobe’s incredible Christmas cards.
Miriam, better known as Mimi, was born in Pittsburg in 1919. She began her career as a self-taught artist at the age of 19, illustrating advertisements for women’s clothing. She settled in Carson Valley in 1966, after having shark fished for twenty years in Florida, gold mined in Hawthorne and farmed in Illinois. She was incredibly active in the community and involved with things like beautification projects, Miss Douglas County, part of the Literary Club, and a life-long member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Her first card was an entry in a contest by the Douglas County Historical Society. Mimi later partnered with Joyce’s Fine Jewelry to create a special Carson Valley scene each year for the annual Christmas card. And just like that, a tradition was born. Today, Joyce’s carries on the tradition of local artist cards, and even still has some of Jobe’s past work for sale.
Though Mimi passed away in 2014, her work is still very much alive and well in the valley and you would be hard pressed to find a local who doesn’t know about her art. We can’t help but smile at her last name, simply adding an ‘e’ to Jobs Peak, the likes of which can be found in the background of many of her Christmas Cards. Take a look at some of these treasured cards below!
