We are thrilled to collaborate with the Artists Association of Nantucket this year to feature their talented artist members. The AAN is a non-profit organization supporting Nantucket artists, providing educational programs in the arts, and preserving the legacy of Nantucket artists. Visit their website, their gallery at 19 Washington Street, their studio at 24 Amelia Drive, or give them a call at (508) 228-0294.

Jan Purdy Metcalf biography

Jan has been coming to Nantucket since she was seventeen. She missed her originally scheduled flight to the island and ended up on a mail freight flight, for which she paid $12 in cash.   

She grew up in Michigan, and once on Nantucket met and eventually married Eddie Metcalf who is a retired Nantucket game warden. She and her husband divide their time between Nantucket and the Bahamas. Over the years Jan has owned a children’s store, a mural company and an interior design business. Today, she says happily, “Now I just paint!” And paint she does.  Jan is a fabulous painter of Nantucket seascapes, landscapes, people and animals.

 
By tracing her genealogy, Jan has recently discovered an interesting bit of information — she is related to Tristram Coffin by her maternal grandmother.

Jan’s Inspiration

“All of my life, art has been playing in the background. Most of my working life involved enough creativity to keep my soul moving forward. And always the fuel for my personal progress has been my proximity to the water. I grew up lucky enough to live near the water. My career then involved painting murals, mostly of the surrounding area. Now, I’m lucky enough to live on and be surrounded by water on two different islands: one in the north and one down south.

As I’ve progressed from the big city to small islands, my paintings have evolved from big murals to small images- reflections of my new reality.

With this magnificent island as a backdrop to capture my imagination, I’ve tried to grasp the essence of the areas that have remained special to me throughout the years. Although known as The Grey Lady – the color of the moors the tidal marshes and oceans can be a vibrant reminder of how inspirational nature can be.”

Where to Find More of Jan’s Work

Jan is represented by the Artists Association of Nantucket and shows her work at AAN’s galleries.  

Website: janpurdymetcalf.com

Email: janpurdymetalf@gmail.com