Long-time artsPlace friend and supporter Priscilla Janes is at once both creative and practical, just like her artwork.
“In this throw-away society, I love making things that can be used and appreciated in everyday life,” she explains. "Ceramic work is enduring; each piece unique.”
Since moving to Canmore more than 20 years ago, Janes has had a huge impact on the Bow Valley arts community, not just with her one-of-a-kind ceramics, but as a generous supporter of arts programming, regular artsPlace instructor, and former Board member with the Canadian Mountain Arts Foundation (CMAF), the governing body of artsPlace. As Board President during the development of artsPlace, Janes was instrumental in advancing the vision that ultimately led to the community hub we know and love. “We always felt we could do more,” she recalls. “So, when the Town approached CMAF to develop an arts centre, the Board took on that mission with total commitment, and the rest is history.”
Behind Janes’ extensive creative pursuits – whether practicing her own art or mentoring up-and-coming artists – is an unwavering commitment toward making art accessible and affordable for all Bow Valley residents.
Since artsPlace opened, Janes and her husband, Bob, have devoted countless hours and considerable resources to that effort – helping to create new opportunities for local youth and adults, so they can enjoy the arts, connect with each other, and foster their own creativity. “We believe the arts not only enrich people’s lives,” she says, “but also help to broaden their ways of thinking and viewing the world.”
About Priscilla
"I produce one-of-a-kind ceramic work using both electric and sawdust kilns and balance my work between functional pottery and decorative work. The natural world is my continuous source of inspiration with vines, leaves and flowers often incorporated into the surface of my work.
I have been an art educator since graduating from University, having taught in Calgary, Yellowknife, and presently at Canmore’s artsPlace. I have also been an archaeological draftsperson and illustrator in remote wilderness areas including Sudan, the Mackenzie River Valley and the Thelon Game Sanctuary in the NWT.
I sell my work at the Elevation-Hive Gallery and the Canmore Artists Guild. I teach ceramics at artsPlace in Canmore and private pottery lessons in my home studio. I also do commissioned work. I live in Canmore, Alberta."
