We share entrepreneurial stories to inspire great ideas...
Janny Fraser
Janny Fraser is a professional artist and founding partner in Jordan Art Gallery. She is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art in Drawing and Painting/Printmaking. She has expanded her activities into fibre and clay and is currently working on a series entitled “Time Images” in mixed-media porcelain constructions. She is the recipient of numerous awards and solo exhibitions.Visit Janny @ jannyfraser.com or jordanartgallery.com
Jordan Art Gallery Partner, Entrepreneur Janny Fraser
- Contributed By: Janny Fraser
Tell us a little something about your business...
The Jordan Art Gallery’s is a partnership that was expanded by more artists from the Niagara Region and we became known for exhibiting contemporary work of local artists and have always showcased what the area had to offer to visitors from all over the world, and in particular, the GTA and Western New York. As partners we man the gallery and share the expenses in return for an allotted space in the Gallery to exhibit our own work as well as providing space for guest artists and artisans. The keys to our longevity have always been collaboration and originality in what we represent. Our location and Jordan Village has become a destination. Many more wineries have sprung up over the years, and our beautiful Twenty Valley and the Escarpment are treasures appreciated by visitors and Niagara residents alike.
When was your lightbulb moment?
Twenty-five years ago, Len Panechetti bought the old Jordan Winery, and he and his wife had the vision to create the beautiful Inn and restaurant “On the Twenty”, as well as a number of retail spaces. I had visited Jordan because of its unique shops and beautiful location, and I started showing my work at Art, Vine & Books, one of the first shops in Jordan. I volunteered there with another artist friend, and we decided to take over the lease when the owner returned to school. I recruited three other artists to become partners and Jordan Art Gallery was born in October 2000.Later, Ninovik, the native arts gallery, wished to expand into our space and we moved next to Cave Springs Winery, our present location in the village. Recently the Village was purchased by Vintage Hotels, Owners of several hotels in Niagara-on-the-lake.
What are your three words of advice?
Understand the opportunities around you while being original and following your muse. When you work in collaboration with other like minded professionals you build up a network that may lead to becoming lucky with your timing.
Three words of advice...
Understand the opportunities
Janny Fraser is a professional artist and founding partner in Jordan Art Gallery. She is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art in Drawing and Painting/Printmaking. She has expanded her activities into fibre and clay and is currently working on a series entitled “Time Images” in mixed-media porcelain constructions. She is the recipient of numerous awards and solo exhibitions.Visit Janny @ jannyfraser.com or jordanartgallery.com
“May your legacy create a footprint of success for the next person who steps into your shoes”
