Janet Fagan

     My belief in the intrinsic worth of wild lands informs my art practice as does my intention to connect people with nature. I draw inspiration from the time I spend outside trail running, biking, hiking and skiing, and I allow my paintings and prints to move freely between imagination and memory. I juxtapose specificity with ambiguity, allowing viewers to assign their own personal projections to my work. At the core of my work is my desire to share the love and optimism I feel for our shared environment with others.

     Janet graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and received her BFA and MFA from the University of Pennsylvania and the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University, respectively.

     Highlights of her exhibit history include gallery and museum exhibits across the US and work in public and private collections including the Northwest Florida Museum of Art, University of WA and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

      In tandem with her studio practice, she enjoys working as an Educator in many different capacities including leading professional development workshops for Teachers and Teaching Artists. Teaching art resonates with her desire to create empathy and compassion through her practice.  Her work with marginalized communities is what she cherishes the most. Currently she is the lead teaching artist for the Creative Aging, HERE:NOW program at the Frye Art Museum. This program is for adults living with dementia and their caregivers.

     Janet also loves to create jewelry and transforms up-cycled bicycle parts into earrings and necklaces. When she is not running through the mountains or making art, she plays fiddle and sings with her sometimes band, “Cats in the Cabin”. She lives in Mazama and Seattle with her beloved partner James and their two cats, Dune and Sylvio.