Art has been a part of Sudbury artist Jan Browning's life since childhood when she visited the world-renowned art galleries in London, England. Her passion for the arts continued into her teens when she began collecting artwork. Her collection now contains the works of more than 35 artists.
Her own art will be on display as one of the participating artists at the Sudbury Art Club's annual spring exhibition and sale of original and affordable art. The show takes place at the Carmichael Community Centre at 1388 Bellevue Ave. April 25 to 26. 
Jan has been painting, surprisingly, for only seven years and says "painting totally changed my life." She also says "colour makes me optimistic and cheerful." She began to paint with only the primary colours which was a valuable lesson. She learned about colour and light by painting from nature.
Her favourite artists are the French impressionist painter Claude Monet, American realist painter Andrew Wyeth, and distinguished local artist Ivan Wheale. Her passion for travel provides her with a constant source of inspiration for her paintings of the people and places she encounters.
She uses her photography as a basis for an interpretation of a feeling or a mood of the moment. Through her skillful brushwork, and drawing from her life experiences she creates images that emphasizes her love of life, of people and of travel. Her paintings are prized in England, Africa, Mexico and throughout Canada.
Jan has been a member of the Sudbury Art Club for the past seven years. The Sudbury Art Club's members meet weekly to work on their projects, to socialize and received encouragement in a non-judgmental and positive environment. The club has a membership of over 80 artists who are painters, sculptors, printmakers and photographers.
Jan said she is  grateful the Carmichael Community Centre is available to the club for the show because it has been the key to helping the club remain viable.
The event begins Friday, April 25 with a wine and cheese reception from 7 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to meet the artists on Saturday, April 26th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking is free and refreshments will be served.
