About Jan...

"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 has recently focused on making art, after an active life of raising children, working and volunteering.  She is a former art teacher, copywriter and executive director of a social service agency. Besides painting and drawing, her passion is to help others become politically empowered.  While she served on many boards over the years, her primary volunteer activity has been with the League of Women Voters.  She was the president of the Illinois League and served on the national board of directors.

 Exhibitions

Affiliations