
"My work is inspired by everyday life….the beauty of a flower, the light in a landscape, interesting city shapes…. and by the political and social issues that affect our lives, " says Jan Flapan. "I strive to evoke emotion, memory or a thoughtful reaction from the viewer."
In addition to watercolor and mixed media, Jan has worked with oil, acrylic and stained glass. Recent work includes collages and monotype prints using watercolor, acrylics and ink. She also makes paper which she uses in collages and for greeting cards.
Jan has traveled extensively in the United States and other countries. Photos and sketches help her capture a particular scene and trigger the memory and emotion of that place and experience when she returns to her studio.
Jan's paintings, drawings and stained glass windows are in over 100 private and corporate collections in the Chicago area, throughout the United States, and in Brazil.
Professional and Volunteer Work:
Jan taught art and social studies to junior high school students. She has exhibited her work at art fairs and galleries, has made commissioned stained glass pieces for residences and businesses, and has sold stained glass jewelry. Recent jobs have been for non-profits, both as a staff person and as a volunteer. She has been most active in the League of Women Voters and was recently on the national board of directors. Currently she is a volunteer for Executive Service Corps of Chicago, as a consultant in the area of fundraising, strategic planning and board development. For a complete vita click here.
Selected Group Exhibitions
2009 Watercolor and More, Palette and Chisel, Chicago
2009 SAN Members' Show, Glessner House, Chicago
2008 Art Speaks,
2007 Watercolor
and More, Palette and Chisel,
2006
2005 Annual Members’ Show, Woman Made Gallery (juried)
2005 Wilmette Public Library Annual Show (juried)