Art on the Prairie

ABOUT THE ARTIST…………….JANET HART HEINICKE

Janet Hart Heinicke is a “transplanted” Iowan! She is a native Midwesterner, born in Indiana, education in Ohio and Wisconsin, and working in Illinois and Iowa, Heinicke consistently has been interested in both “talking about art” and in “making art” dual interests.

Heinicke first came to Iowa in the early 80’s to accept the appointment of Simpson College to the chairmanship of the Art Department. While at Simpson she was responsible for the design of a new curriculum in art, the introduction of a gallery program in the new “Farnham Gallery” of the College and the initiation of the “Chrysalis Event”, an event designed to introduce high school students to careers in art as well as the professional standards needed for exhibiting art in professional venues. Simpson College recognized her work with awards for outstanding research as well as with an award for distinguished faculty service and the Faculty Award for Campus Leadership. During this period of time she chaired the Indianola Fine Arts Commission and spearheaded the project which led to the “Grandmothers’ Garden Sculpture” on the courthouse lawn. Now an emeritus professor of art Heinicke continues to “talk about art” regularly teaching at the Des Moines Art Center and in the Senior College in Des Moines. She maintains her studio in Indianola and occasionally teaches private students there.

Heinicke has continued her passion for “making art” throughout her life. She has exhibited her work internationally, showing at the State Museum in the capital city of Cherkassy Ukraine and in the museums of Iowa’s sister state, Stavropol. Her work has also been exhibited in Japan and in Malaysia. She has maintained an active exhibition schedule showing her work in exhibits throughout the country, from Arizona to Massachusetts and New York. There are more than 85 solo shows to her credit as well as several recognitions with awards.