Artist Janice Miller has won many awards for her artwork. Her drawing "3 Pink Ladies," which Janice holds here, is featured in the 2017 Art is Ageless calendar.

A lifelong love of art

Artist Janice Miller has won many awards for her artwork. Her drawing "3 Pink Ladies," which Janice holds here, is featured in the 2017 Art is Ageless calendar.

Artist Janice Miller has won many awards for her artwork. Her drawing “3 Pink Ladies,” which Janice holds here, is featured in the 2017 Art is Ageless calendar.

Not everyone who enters Parsons Presbyterian Manor’s Art is Ageless competition has been interested in art their entire lives. Some don’t take up an interest until after their children are grown, or until retirement. This is not the case with Parsons resident Janice Miller.

“I’ve always loved art and design. Right out of high school, I took art classes at the junior college. I’ve taken classes on and off through the years, most recently a watercolor class taught by Joan Allen at Labette Community College, and also a jewelry class. I love it all,” said Janice.

Janice’s interest in art extends beyond a hobby, however. She’s an interior decorator by trade and sells window coverings from her home.

“I’m also pretty handy with a sewing machine.”

Janice is planning on entering several items in this year’s Art is Ageless competition, including a watercolor and a tablecloth.

“My mother died 18 years ago, but she and I started a project together that I’m finally going to finish. I broke my foot last year, so I finally took the time to sit down and get it done. It’s a tablecloth made using what’s called ‘yo-yos,’ a technique where you make small circular pieces of cloth and sew them together. You can do all kinds of things with them.”

Janice sees potential and takes an interest in nearly any creative pursuit, and this passion recently resulted in artistic accolades. The piece she entered in last year’s Art is Ageless competition, titled “3 Pink Ladies” won a coveted place in the 2017 Art is Ageless Calendar. The calendar features the best of the best from 17 Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America campuses in Kansas and Missouri.

“I always encourage people to try their hand at making art, no matter their age. They would be really surprised at what they can do. I think anyone can do anything if they set their mind to it,” said Janice. “And I would highly encourage people to take an art class, like the one I take from Joan Allen. She’s really good and very encouraging and has a wealth of knowledge. You’ll meet new people and have a great time!”

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