Biography

Jan Wheeler is a Canadian artist whose work explores fluid movement in landscapes. She has always been drawn to the raw, wild areas found throughout the country, and her work draws on the rhythms and choreography she’s tuned to in the wind, water, and sky.

The artist studied her craft in diverse schools that include Seneca College; Byam Shaw School of Art in London, UK; Lorenzo de’ Medici School of Art in Florence, Italy; and a calligraphy studio in Sendai, Japan.

Wheeler’s working travels as a young adult took her to Japan, Saudi Arabia, Europe, the UK, and across Canada. While working and living in these culturally rich and diverse locations, Wheeler took every opportunity to learn more about her field. Growing up in Canada provided her with a full grounding in landscape art through the Group of Seven and contemporaries. Extensive time in the UK and Europe gave the artist access to schools and great art galleries and museums that drove her to find her own voice for her work.

The artist finds the locations she works with while hiking, paddling, or snowshoeing through the many backcountry trips she and her husband take. She then takes her rough work to her studio on the century farm she and her husband call home. The farmhouse provides the quiet environment the artist needs to focus.
Wheeler has exhibited in many cities around the world, including New York, Toronto, Jeddah, Tokyo, and Nashville. Her work is currently represented by Arta Gallery in Toronto, Paula White Diamond Art Gallery + Design Studio in Waterloo and Cloud Gallery in Orillia.

Awards

  • Dr. Robert Bennett People’s Choice Award, Carmichael Landscape Juried Art Exhibit, Orillia Museum of Art & History, Orillia, 2011
  • Emerging Artist Project Award, Ontario Arts Council, 2010
  • Nancy Mattice Award Finalist, Nashville, 2006
  • International Arts Competition Award for Excellence in Painting, New York City, 1988

Exhibitions

  • Land and Sky Exhibition, Paula White Diamond Gallery Oct 2023
  • The Soul of the East and West, Arta Gallery, Sept 2022
  • Landscape Exhibition, Arta Gallery, Toronto, Apr 2022
  • Women’s Show, Arta Gallery, Toronto, Feb 2022
  • Georgian Bay Group Show, Cloud Gallery, Orillia, 2021
  • Resident Artist Shows, Arta Gallery, Toronto, 2014-Present
  • Algonquin Art Centre Exhibitions, 2010-2021
  • 12 Women Artist Landscapes Exhibition, Paula White Diamond Art Gallery + Design Studio, Waterloo, Oct 2017
  • Toronto Art Expo, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Apr 2014
  • Colour Theory Exhibition, Canadian Art Concepts, Arta Gallery, Toronto, Mar 2014
  • Featured Artist Exhibition, Gary Owen Framing & Art Restoration Services, Barrie, Jul 2011
  • Spirits of the Earth Exhibition, John D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre, Toronto, Apr 2011
  • BCI 2011, Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, Hamilton, Jan 2011
  • Canadian Contemporary Artists Exhibition, La Parete Gallery, Toronto, Dec 2010
  • Norman Felix Inc., Toronto, 2009-2010
  • Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour, 2005-2015
  • Buckhorn Fine Art Festival, Buckhorn, Aug 2009
  • Wye Marsh Inspired, Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Midland, Jul 2009
  • Summer Group Show, Ben Navaee Gallery, Toronto, Jul 2009
  • Solo Exhibition: the Wild Places, Gallery Hittite, Toronto, May 2009
  • One Of A Kind Christmas Show, Toronto, Dec 2-7, 2008
  • Representation by ArtTango, The Netherlands, 2008-2009
  • Beyond Borders Exhibition of Fine Art from Canada, Agora Gallery, Chelsea, New York City, Sept 2007
  • Overtures, Agora Gallery, Chelsea, New York City, Nov 2006
  • Representation by Agora Gallery, Chelsea, New York City, 2006-2007
  • Exhibition at Dangenart Gallery, Nashville, May-Jun 2006
  • Women’s International Art Show, Orillia, 2006
  • Zephyr Art Gallery, Orillia, 2005
  • Woodside Pottery & Gallery Craighurst, Barrie, 2005
  • Juried Exhibitions at the Distillery Historic District, Toronto, 2004
  • Midland Waterfest Fine Art Exhibitions, 2003 & 2004
  • Dreamers Rock, Barrie, 1997
  • Images and Reflections Gallery, Orillia, 1993
  • “Impressions of the Middle East,” Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 1987
  • Western Renaissance Society Group Exhibitions, B.C. 1985-1986
  • Annual Exhibitions of The Federation of Canadian Artists, Vancouver, 1984-1985