Janet Lou Olson

Janet was born on April 14, 1938 in Hudson, Wisconsin to Olive and Irving Pederson. She spent her early years in St Paul, MN. She grew up loving art and music. In 1956 Jan graduated from Central High School and then attended Saint Olaf College in Northfield, MN where she received her BA degree. She met her future husband when he chose to sit across from her at the school’s library. When done studying, he asked her if she would join him for coffee. On July 1, 1961, she married Alan M. Olson. They lived in Minnesota, California, and Wisconsin before moving to Massachusetts.

In 1969 they made the big decision to move to Boston, MA where both Jan and Alan continued their studies at Boston University. Jan completed an MFA in Art Education in 1972.

She then started her career teaching art in Brookline, MA, and where they raised their family. Jan taught art at The Edith C. Baker School and Brookline High. She taught in the Brookline Public Schools for 16 years.

At age 50, she chose to pursue a Ph.D. in Art Education. Children’s narrative drawing and its relationship to writing became the focus of her doctoral dissertation. In 1988 she earned a Doctorate in Art Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. In 1992 Jan published the first edition of Envisioning Writing: Integrating Drawing and Writing, with a second edition co-authored in 2016 with daughter Maren Olson who had followed in her steps to teach high school art. Her doctoral studies included investigations into teaching writing. With her ability to weave drawing and writing together, Jan achieved what few art educators can claim: Highly valued contributions to two fields of study. Jan earned great respect in the National Council on Teachers of English, giving national presentations plus writing her Handbook for Literacy Educators and authoring chapters in Learning by Writing and Drawing. Achievements were also recognized by the National Art Education Association, first with the Higher Education Regional Award in 1988, followed by the prestigious Lowenfeld Award in 2002.

As a collaborator, Jan worked with six colleagues to produce the first book to bring “making meaning” to the forefront of art education. Introducing preservice art educators to the power of art in creating meaning, her chapter highlighted the importance of storytelling and creating a partnership between visual and verbal expression. Creating Meaning through Art: Teacher as Choice Maker published by Pearson in 1997. Her expertise greatly enhanced this innovative text. She began teaching at the college level with the completion of her Ed.D. A year at Framingham State University in MA, and another appointment at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee led to recruitment of Dr. Janet Olson as Chair of Art Education for Boston University. Until becoming Emerita in 2001, Jan was admired for excellence in teaching as well as numerous presentations made at national conferences. In addition to her scholarship, her paintings had stories to tell, which earned her “Best of Show” in the 2001 juried faculty exhibition at BU’s College of Fine Arts.

Janet Olson believed that stories are simply part of being human. Her story reveals how the life of a human can be made remarkably meaningful to others, especially through sharing stories. Jan made a difference in many lives through her teaching, artwork, books and publications.

Documentation of her lectures will continue to make a difference in the lives of many more. In retirement, Jan returned to making art, playing the piano, traveling, and enjoying life with her husband, daughters, grandson, and friends.

Janet was adored by her family, friends, and the many dogs she raised. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Alan M Olson (d. 2023). She is survived by her daughters: Maren Olson of Chelsea, MA and Sonja Olson of Brewster, MA and proud grandmother of Søren Olson Chrysler and several nieces and nephews. She is deeply missed by all who knew her. We all greatly mourn the loss of a talented, smart, and beautiful woman, whose quiet and modest nature was an inspiration.

Her family is profoundly grateful to the caregivers at AdviniaCare The Woodlands Assisted Living in Brewster, and Broad Reach Hospice Care in Chatham, for their tender attention in her final days.