Fine Lifestyles Parkland Winter 2013

I work.” Layh encourages her students to ‘push’ their art and not be afraid to make mistakes, stating that it’s all part of the learning process. “Each time you try something new, you learn something about your art,” she says.

Since 1988, Layh has worked with the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation as an Educational Facilitator. She has presented workshops on leadership, instructional strategies, evaluation and policy writing across the province, across Canada and twice in India.

Presently, her role as a consultant involves facilitating art workshops as well as facilitating Succession and Strategic Planning workshops for arts councils in the province. As president of the Langenburg Arts Council, Layh has had an influential role in the development of the various arts in the area. Organizing art shows and other cultural events continue to be an important part of her life.

Layh encourages fellow artists to attend workshops and retreats whenever possible. Since 1997 she has organized the Shellmouth Summer Art Retreat.

Shellmouth, situated in the Assiniboine River Valley 20 minutes from Russell, Manitoba is the perfect retreat location.

For one week every year people gather to spend time working on their craft. “It is a non-instructive retreat,” explains Layh, “we are all instructors and we learn from each other.” The retreat is open to a variety of creative people including musicians, song writers, sculptors, painters and more.

Although she is an active consultant and facilitator, her true love is painting.

Layh’s artwork can be found in collections across Canada.

More locally, Jan shows her work at the two Layh & Associates Law Offices — one housed in the historic Smellie Block in Russell, Manitoba; the other located in the historic John Deere building in Langenburg, Saskatchewan. Viewing is possible during business hours or by appointment. Jan’s work can also be viewed on her website: www.janlayhstudio.ca.

Jan Layh Artist and Consultant 204.773.2814 janlayhstudio.ca