Founder, Janet Austin

Art and Learning was founded by artist and educator Janet Austin in 2003 whose background in Fine Art and Museum Studies is fundamental to the development and implementation.

This program was designed for the social studies curricula at Deer Path Middle School in Lake Forest Illinois.  It was originally funded by a grant from the parent organization The Spirit of 67 and has since been an integral part of the 5 - 8th grade education. 

“The silkscreen class was my favorite part of 8th grade”, Vincent Battaglia, DPM, class of 2007.

“Janet has worked with District 67 schools since 2001.  Our students and teachers have gained so much from her ability to connect the artistic significance of whatever cultural era we have studied.  Whether it is learning about the ancient Egyptians or the Industrial Revolution, Janet’s  ability to create hands on opportunities for students is outstanding!”  Kyle Schumacher, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, Lake Forest School District 67.

“Janet was an inspiration to my students, they fell in love with her and the mosaic project they created.  Her dedication went well beyond the classroom walls.  I would do another collaboration with Janet in a heartbeat!.”  Alicia Landes,  Art, Highland Park High School.

Accomplishments:

Deer Path Middle School, Spirit of 67 Grant, 2005, Chief Instructor/Developer, 2005 - 2009

The Denver Art Museum, Adult and Children courses, Instructor/Developer, 1995 - 1999

Stirling Hall, Lake Forest Recreation Center, Adult and Children courses, 2002 - 2009

Artist-in-Residence, Lake Forest Country Day School, 8th Grade Art Legacy Project, 2007 - 2009

Artist-in-Residence, Focus on the Arts, Highland Park High School, 2007

The Deer Path Art League, instructor/Developer, Saturday Art Club, 2003 - 2009

Braaksma Design Sculptor and Collaborator, Denver, Colorado, 1991 - 2009

Scott System, Fine Art Sculptor, Denver, Colorado, 1996 - 2000

Public Artist, includes projects in Illinois, Colorado, and California, 1991 - 2009

Montclair Academy, Art Instructor and Artist-in-Residence, Denver, Colorado, 1998 - 2000

World Art Explorers, Instructor, Denver, Colorado, 1995 - 1998

Colorado Council on the Arts and Humanities, Artist-in-Residence, 1989 - 1995

MA- Fine Art in Printmaking, Rosary College in Florence Italy, 1983

For more information visit: janetaustinart.com