JANET LINK
Artist
Danville, KY

Provide an educational background including professional experience.

Bachelor of Art in studio art from a liberal arts college.
As an undergraduate I studied drawing and oil painting in an atelier program in Paris. After graduating, I continued studying traditional methods and materials as a student in Paris and an assistant on a fresco project in Charlotte, N.C.

In the 11 years between undergraduate and graduate school I worked as a professional artist. In my studio I worked at easel and mural painting, calligraphy, manuscript illumi- nation and bookbinding. During this time, I also taught painting, drawing and art history in a variety of settings.

Master of Fine Arts from LSU. (2001)

Why did you choose LSU for your education?

I was accepted to two MFA programs, both of them in large state universities. I chose LSU for several reasons – because it is three years long as opposed to two, and the Painting and Drawing program has a large and diverse faculty.

How did your LSU degree help to prepare you for your profession?

During my time at LSU, I was able to develop my work outside of the constraints of making a living. The LSU faculty balanced their support and criticism in such a way that Iwas both encouraged and challenged in my work. My work matured a great deal during my time at LSU. An MFA is the necessary credential for teaching at the college level. I am interested in teaching art to adults who want to work as professional artists. As part of my assistantship, I was able to teach as an instructor of record for four semesters.

What current or past research and projects/exhibitions have you done?

I began a Visiting Assistant Professorship at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky and my paintings were shown at the Community Art Center in Danville for their inaugural exhibition. I am currently exhibiting a drawing in the 2005 Larson Biennial Drawing Competition at Austin Peay State University and am preparing for a solo exhibition in June 2005 in Asheville, NC.

Please list any awards or special recognition that you have received.

As an undergraduate and graduate student I was a recipient of the Stanfield Scholarship.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future are very exciting with open possibilities. Since my professorship is only for one year, I am currently looking for another teaching position. My first year of teaching was very intense, and unfortunately I did not have as much time to devote to my personal work in the studio as in the past. In terms of my career goals, painting is my first priority and I think students learn significantly more about being a painter by studying in a working studio with a professor who has active personal artistic goals. I have found teaching to be very rewarding and I continue to be interested in an academic position. So, I am trying to find a balance between personal work and instruction that will make me a better professor and painter.