Immediately after graduating high school in 1932, Janet attended The American Academy of Art in Chicago and then became a successful fashion model in New York City – which led to a career as special assistant to Hattie Carnegie. She then opened and ran her own thriving women’s designer clothing store for 24 years. After selling her store, she went back to her first love – painting. Janet was a juried member of the Arizona Watercolor Association and an associate member of the American Watercolor Society. Her work has been featured in many gallery shows, including special exhibits and magazines and her paintings are part of many private and public collections. After her husband passed away in 1992, she moved to Bainbridge Island to be closer to her daughters, Karen Brody and Nancy Heckler.
Since her death in 2009, Karen and Nancy have been trying to find meaningful ways to continue to share her wonderful art with the world. Janet was always helping people, and especially young artists --- she was a true kindred spirit. She would often tell the story of how her parents scrimped and saved so they could send her to art school in the 1930’s. They knew it was her passion and wanted her to fulfill her dream. The whole idea that her paintings now might help someone else fulfill their dream would make her very happy.
So the idea of the Janet Cramer Scholarship Fund was born. It satisfied all the goals of her daughters: Sharing their mom’s wonderful work with as many people as possible. Having it on display so it could be viewed and appreciated. Most importantly, honoring a lifetime of work. And at the same time, having 100% of the proceeds to benefit young artists.
