Prairie Passage
Earth & Sky - series #1
Slab pot measuring 16'x10"x6"
Velvet underglaze finish
16" x 20" acrylic on canvas
Janet will be exhibiting at the
Lebanon Antiques ~ Art and Artisans Show
October 3 and 4
If you would like more information or you would
like to purchase a vessel or painting, call
260-925-4689 or email janet@sbcglobal.net
More images of this series will be posted in the
next few weeks.  We hope you will return to see
the new pieces.
Jan Nagel, artist
return to
When one door of happiness closes, another opens....

Biographical Sketch

My lifelong passion for art originated during my secondary school years.  During those formative years I
found myself interested in three dimensional works. A few short years later I enrolled at Western Michigan
University to pursue a major in Art Education coupled with a minor concentrating in lost wax casting of
abstract female forms.  My formal training then continued with the pursuit of a Masters of Art at the
University of Illinois, where I dedicated two years exploring historically significant ceramic forms, as well as
ceramic sculpture.  Two notable influences at that time were renowned instructors Don Frith and Don
Pilcher, whose instruction was instrumental in my perception of form, visualization of aesthetic nuances and
development of a highly refined technique.

Upon receipt of my masters degree, I began a career in art education; teaching for thirty-five years.  My
primary teaching focus was in secondary level instruction of advanced classes in the three dimensional areas
of ceramics, jewelry, metal-smithing, and fibers.  I developed a regionally acclaimed program in Indiana and
guided hundreds of students to Regional and National Scholastic Art awards.  I truly enjoyed instructing
young minds; and gained much inspiration from my interactions with them.  It was upon retirement from
teaching in 2008 that I decided to pursue art venues, as a way to sell and expand my art experiences.

        My husband Gerry, also a retired educator, and I make our home in rural Dekalb County, Indiana.  
We have been involved in antique show promotions for many years; we also own Nagels Garden House
specializing in seasonal sales of annuals, perennials, vegetables, cut floral arrangements and everlastings.  We
are also the proud parents of our two children, Jennifer 24 and Jonathan 21