Jane Egan at The Gallery of CNY
Cazenovia Resident and Nationally Recognized Artist, Jane Egan has created box assemblages during her lifetime that are both beautiful and intelligent and have become highly collectible. Egan uses a balanced combination of found objects, small antiquities, empheral elements such magazine clippings and paper cut-outs and 'arte povera' (poor materials) such as twigs and wire. The viewer cannot help but to be drawn into each piece's intimate setting and to contemplate the story within. Each of the boxes is hand-made; many are painted with pure color. According to a press release for a show at the Everson Museum, "Egan has transformed the genre (box assemblage) into a vehicle for the presentation of personal reflection on her travels, commitment to social concern and love of nature and interest in Americana."
NOTE: Jane made four of her paintings available on July 25, 2008. Please call or email for pricing and availability.
Box Assemblages & Paintings by Nationally Recognized Artist Jane Egan at The Gallery of CNY in Cazenovia NY.
12/17/09 Egan, Jane Calkins Jane Calkins Egan, 92, of Cazenovia, died Thursday morning, Dec. 17, 2009, peacefully in her sleep. Mrs. Egan was born in Seattle, Wash. to Raymond and Kathleen Calkins. She spent her early years living in Seattle, Lewiston, Montana and Chicago, Ill. Mrs. Egan graduated from Miss Hall’s School and Finch College. In 1939 she married William C. Egan (deceased, 1998) and soon after moved to Syracuse where Mr. Egan followed a long career with Carrier Corporation. Mrs. Egan was an accomplished, self-taught artist who worked in a variety of mediums. She was best known for her assemblages of found objects. Her works were shown and sold in galleries and museums in Syracuse, Houston, Chicago and New York… including one-person shows at the Everson Museum, CDS Gallery in New York City and Gallery of CNY in Cazenovia. Mrs. Egan was an active member of the Cazenovia and Syracuse communities, championing and supporting many causes including the Art Park, Caz Cares, The Everson Museum, The Nature Conservancy and Wanderer’s Rest Humane Association. Mrs. Egan was a passionate gardener, a dedicated reader and lover of nature. Her compassion, energy and youthful spirit fostered many friendships with people of all ages and from all walks of life. She loved Cazenovia for its people, the lake and the spirit of the town itself. She cherished her family and is survived by her daughter Nancy Goodwater and her two son, Ray and Bill Egan; her 11 grandchildren, her nine great-grandchildren and her loving dog, Ella. The family will celebrate her life at a private gathering. Contributions in her memory can be made to Wanderers Rest, Juanita Dr. Canastota, NY 13032.
Artist Statement: My inspiration originally came from the artist Joseph Cornell whose surreal box constructions using found objects met notoriety during the 1930's and 1940's. I love the fact that I can make these boxes out of my mind and heart and each one is different from the next. I use found objects, paint and wood to form the subject matter. Each signifies a special experience or emotion that I want to bring to reality.
Artist Biography: Jane Egan, born in Montana and schooled at The University of Chicago is now a long-time Cazenovia resident. During her career, Egan has not only shown her work but also supported the arts. She was instrumental in creating and maintaining the St. David's Invitational art show in Dewitt, NY in 1975. Since then, the St. David's show, giving local artists of the highest caliber a place to show their work, has grown to become known as the most prestigious invitational in the Syracuse area. Egan also has been a member and supporter of the Associated Artists Group of Syracuse for many years. She had her first one-person show at Worthington Gallery in Chicago which has continued to represent Egan. She was also picked up in Manhattan by CDS Gallery and in Houston by Hooks-Epstein Gallery where she had solo shows. In 1979 and 1993, Egan had one-person exhibits at the Everson Museum in Syracuse. She has participated in group exhibits throughout the years including: Munson-Proctor Museum of Art, Cooperstown International, Art Oversees in New York and Penrose Gallery in Nantucket.
The Gallery of CNY located in the heart of New York specializes in original artwork by some of CNY's finest artists and features ten CNY artists with national acclaim and award. NYC caliber artwork in CNY. For more information, call Jennifer Schutzendorf at The Gallery of CNY 315-655-3707 or www.gallerycny.com
Jane Egan’s Studio
in Cazenovia NY
