A native of Alabama, Jan initially trained and began a career in social work, yet always felt torn between  human services and desire to pursue art.  "In the flexible days of my youth I had a great opportunity to take a hiatus, live on a friend's farm, and immerse myself in art classes at a local university."  She completed core curriculum equivalent to an art major at Alabama's Jacksonville State University in 1983 and taught art in the psychology department's summer enrichment program for youth before returning to social work.  

 

    Jan made her home in Charleston, SC in 1989.  With the support of husband Scott, she has devoted herself to painting since 2003.  She is a member of Spencer Art Gallery II, an exhibiting member of the Charleston Artist Guild, has taken multiple ribbons in juried shows in the region, and been accepted as an associate member of Oil Painters of America.

   

    In addition to Spencer Art Gallery, Jan offers work for sale at Charleston's juried annual Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit and has appeared twice in the Southeastern Wildlife Expo in Charleston Place ballroom.  Jan's realistic "nature portraits" now hang in hospitals, offices, and private collections in more than 16 states and Canada.