Jerry Yarnell Yarnell Art / Inspiration in painting/Yarnell school of fine art Well Known Local Artist, Self Proclaimed Christian, Disgraces Family and Publicly Lies to Further His Career Skiatook, Oklahoma

This is absolutely, unequivocally NOT the place for this kind of personal dispute. This website is for the purpose of alerting the public of unsavory businesses.  I am surprised the site allowed public airing of what is so obviously an attempt to smear a family member. You should be ashamed.

 Sheryl, although I am pleased to see that someone has called out Donna and Jerry, and that you've provided some answers to my years of confusion, I'd like to set the record straight. I was unknowingly caught in the middle of this messed up family drama. You mentioned that Jerry (Joseph) was "seeing" a younger woman. I've heard that rumor before. In fact, I was being harassed in Skiatook for that very lie. Here is the truth, if, in fact, you're interested. I was hired as his research assistant. Then, he asked me to start modeling for him. We slowly became friends, and then Diane hired me in the office (I now suspect that Jerry convinced her to do so).

This was shortly before the office moved to the Harvard location in Tulsa. I was single and living in my own place, so I can see why outsiders might assume evil, but I was simply working for a living (albeit naively.) I was working full-time in Tulsa for Diane and part time at the request of Jerry at his not yet completed studio (the location remains there.) In fact, I helped Jerry and Dwayne finish the upstairs, because I was single with nothing better to do. About this time, Jerry proposed an offer of full-time contracted employment as his assistant (since Diane fired me without explanation.) I should have left the business right then, but I believed in my friend (who, BTW, was 30 years my senior.)

What followed (whilst I was his contract book editor, slide photographer, assistant, secretary, and model) was a storm of family drama and mudslinging. I was led to believe that Diane assumed that Jerry was Romantically invested in me.... a truly sad assumption that she clearly passed on to the rest of the family. She claimed I was some sort of Leach that was bleeding him for anything I could. Since I was never ever involved in any aspect of the finances of any section of the businesses, I cannot affirm nor dispute that Jerry was mishandling funds. He made me a professional, salary offer, which I accepted and fulfilled my end of the bargain.

It was none of my business where the checks came from. I worked hard. I spent long hours entering his artwork into various competitions, packing them to specific criteria. I was editing his book (#10) from the handwritten papers he'd give me, and entering them into the computer. I'd answer phones (along with his other secretary who was later fired for no reason),assist his Wednesday workshops, travel with the guys to workshops, make transactions, model for pieces (he was just starting to delve into portraits), and handled art sales. This extremely full schedule coupled with the emotional abuse and ridiculous storms between Jerry and his family forced me to quit.

I took a cut in pay just to get out of that mess. That was about 9-10 years ago. Jerry never gave me ANY of the things we agreed upon. I was entitled to giclees of the works I modeled for (such as beautiful dreamer and cocoa).I was not even paid for my work at editing his book (I suspect Diane inserted her name, or perhaps Jerry went behind my back.) Later, his new wife Donna lied to me, and Jerry called the end of 2011, but that was the last I heard from him. To conclude, due to your narrative, my opinion of Diane has improved slightly, since, clearly, I was being slapped around by both sides. I would hope that you would extend me the same courtesy.

I just read this entire report, the accusations, the reactions, the name calling, all of it by Jerry's sister and whomever this John person really is.

I do not know Jerry or any family member personally. I only know him through PBS broadcasts and his teaching videos.

For me, as a customer reading these accusations by all parties, was pretty stunned by the comparison of Jerry Yarnell to Jim Jones, Jerry Baker and unnamed politicians. 

To compare someone to Jim Jones was way over the top. Jim Jones was a very disturbed and evil man. He was personally responsible for the deaths of hundreds upon hundreds of innocents.

Jim Baker was someone who was swayed by Satan and punished for his crimes as was Jones.

Both Baker and Jones were judged by humans and by God. What God has in store for anyone is between God and that person. 

I have had my own share of personal tragedies, from the death of my son to street drug addiction as a young and middle age adult and into massive amounts of opiates for three rippling diseases that I will never recover from.

My family has never ceased loving me and I to them. But they all were hurt by some very unwise choices on my behalf to things that were unbidden by me. Family is not disposable.

God is the only judge of what ever any of us has done. Be it good or bad.

The final thought I have on this whole rip off report deal, is that once you have unleashed a firestorm from your mouth there is no retraction.  The wounds inflicted by someone to another in the fashion of physical abuse is bad enough. Scars heal, God is the healer of all broken people. 

But words, they never heal, they will always remain in the minds of the receiver and the giver. I will not say shame on you to anyone, ever. That does not make me someone special or better than the rest.

But in my own experience with the struggles of my own life, the rain of horror and sadness that can befall us all may be a way that the Lord is using this "Crushing", as Chuck Swindoll spoke of in a speech in around 2008, is so you do hit rock bottom. The Lord has an empty vessel in us to rebuild us from the ground up to be the kind of person He wants to shape us into His own image.

The territory that this family has entered into can be repaired, no matter who did what to whom. A personal relationship with God is so needed here, with truth honesty and love. 

Name calling and the things spoke of in this rip off report are appalling to hear of, and yes very sad.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His beauty and grace. I may not have that verse from that hymn exactly correct, but I bet you get the picture.

I pray that the damage that this family has incurred by all of the things listed in this rip off report can be healed by God, just ask.

If you think that something you say or do will make you ashamed as stated by Jerry' s sister, then it is probably best left unsaid in a public forum such as this. If you say to someone, "I hate to say this", then don't. Talk to God, He has big shoulders.

 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

God bless you all!

 

 

 

 

I have been wanting to comment to this for a couple of months. I came across this in searching for Jerry Yarnell instuction books and dvds. I live in a rural area, and can not afford art lessons. I have been dabbling in art and music since my teen years. Being an empty nester now, I decided to started painting again. Jerry Yarnells instructions are very detailed, and helpful. My family is amazed at how far I have come in just a few months of practising. Whatever went on in Jerry's family, It doesn't affect me as a consumer. It's sad, and every family has had some issues of one sort or another. Money seems to bring out the worst in people, and this family being torn apart is ashame. I am certain it really grieves the heart of God. But the bottom line is this: Jerry Yarnell is a talented artist, and gifted instructor. Being a cancer survivor myself, I can tell you how important it is to have something to sooth my soul. Many thanks to Jerry Yarnell for his fine teaching, and I hope his family finds peace in all this. God's blessings to you all.

I've used the services of Jerry for the last several years, both as a student and an art collector. Jerry Yarnell's School is of the utmost quality and Jerry's unique teaching ability is very effective. Prices are reasonable for classes, etc. For the collector, most work will look beautiful in any room or business, and he does commissions as well. He has a great personality and is easy to learn from. 

As far as the negative ripoff reports, please be aware that the family is engaged in a bitter legal dispute. It was covered in the local Tulsa news recently. As is the case with any family infighting, accusations will fly and one will try to ruin the reputation of the other. The Yarnell family is no exception. This is unfortunate, but as long as you realize this, you should not expect a dissapointing experience with his school. Normally this isn't a big deal, but one member of the family (who I believe is Jerry's brother) runs a buisness using the Yarnell name and nearly tricked me into believing I was dealing with Jerry. I called the School to confirm a price, and that is when I found out about the dispute. Typical family drama, and a good example of why any good lawyer would request a gag order.

Not EVEN close... but nice try.  :)

 OH MY GOODNESS!!  LOL LOL. You guys need to hire someone to write this stuff.  You write just like you talk. It is so obvious on your guestbook, fb and now here. Your self praise is a little tooooo much.  You also write TMI, your typical follower, student, client wouldn't have so much to say on such a personal matter. LOL. Yes, in my letter I would agree that some of the information given may have not been relevant, but then "JOHN" you really need to keep track of all that has been said and by whom. Then the issue of is Jerry a Christian??  Well now I just don't know for sure, but rumor has it the definition is in the BIBLE. My Mother always taught us that " Actions Speak Louder Than Words".   Me Shame my family? hummmm,  don't think so...but you are welcome to ask them. You know, stepping up and apologizing to your Mother, Father, Brother would go a long way.  It is you that must live with your actions for the rest of your life, not I.    I have not dishonored my Mother, Father or Brother. You know right from wrong. Fix it!   Last but surely the best.. Jezabel? LOL LOL LOL LOL. Thank You.   Your flare for the dramatic is paled only by that of my 14 year old grandaughter. LOL       Oh.. One other thing "JOHN"  Why are you hiding ?? Do you not believe in your claims?   We would be happy to have you over. May you find peace in your heart 

Dear Sheryl (Yarnell) Dickson, 
I am someone that knows you all, and have for several years. You may call me John.
It does indeed sadden me to see my wonderful family break up in such a tragic way, but Id like to say a few things.

Please consider the following.

You, my dear, have done something so awful here, that there is no going back. You have done more damage to the family than any squabble could ever do. Yes Sheryl, the blame falls upon you.

It matters not if any of what you have said is true or not..  it matters not. Dont you see what you have done? You have gone on such a terrible rant that you have exposed much information (true or not.  it does not really matter) that has nothing to do with the matter at hand, which is the simple ownership of various art materials and distributations.

You have delved deep into very private matters that have nothing to do with what the public needs do know. Tell us, what do tombstones, churches, crippled children, cancer, Jerrys new wife, Jerrys money trouble etc. etc.etc.  have to do with the matter at hand?.. the ownership of art materials being the subject on this Rip Off forum... this is not the place for soap operas.
You have chosen to betray... yes betray your family by exposing in such a hateful and harmful way.. and to the WORLD, personal, hurtful family business. For shame.
And then, you have the guts to say that Jerry is not a Christian. Who are YOU to make that kind of call??  It doesnt matter who you think you are.. who ARE you? Do you speak for Jesus?  No, not even close. I know who you are.. I know all about you..... I think perhaps you should evaluate your own worthiness to be a Christian. Shame.

Oh what you have done Sheryl. Oh what you have done! This will follow you all the days of your life. You have not gained vengeance for Joe, Mary, or Scott, but rather you have made yourself out to be a traitor, a Benedict Arnold... and a family trust Jezebel. Oh what you have done. I am ashamed of you.
Wishing you more happiness,

John