Written by: Emily Huffstetler
Grace (noun)—Unmerited divine assistance.
When COVID-19 struck Townsend, Kathy Janke decided to temporarily close Gracehill Bed and Breakfast and devote herself to her art.
“I thought, I’ll answer the phone; I’ll take a reservation and pay my bills. But I’m not cooking. I’m not cleaning. I’m just going to work on art,” Janke said.
Janke had dabbled in oil painting for about 45 years, producing a piece about every five years. Given the unique opportunity to pursue her work seriously, she created seven paintings and 24 baskets in just a couple months.
When Janke reopened the B&B, her guests found themselves surrounded by her artwork and expressed interest in purchasing it.
To her delight, she sold everything.
“At that point, I thought, instead of retiring, I think I’ve got one more business in me,” Janke said.
Janke had previously pursued a variety of professions and ventures. She majored in Biology at Northern Illinois University, which led to an 11-year career in policework. Then, she and her mother moved to Townsend and spent the next decade running Little River Village Campground (now the Townsend KOA). Afterwards, Janke pursued landscaping.
Janke built Gracehill Bed and Breakfast and operated it for 20 years before deciding to establish Gracehill Fine Art & Basketry, her very own gallery.
“I made that decision when I was 66. I didn’t think it was going take me until I was 70 to flip the open sign, but that’s how long it was,” Janke said.
Visitors to Gracehill Fine Art & Basketry are pleasantly surprised by what they discover. Janke’s alcohol ink paintings and Southern Long Leaf pine needle baskets transcend traditional techniques and reflect the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Photos courtesy of Kathy Janke.
Unlike slow-drying oil paints, alcohol inks offer “spontaneity and brilliant color,” Janke said. She made the transition to this medium during the pandemic, finding it to be gentler on a recent shoulder replacement. Through alcohol inks, Janke captures the park’s incredible vistas and flora.
In a roundabout way, Janke discovered pine needle basketry through her late father. While she was away at college, he gave oil painting lessons to a little girl who lived next door. After he passed away at 48, Janke’s mother chose to give the art supplies to the neighbor, knowing she’d put them to good use.
Janke’s neighbor had dreams of studying art in college, but her parents disapproved, leading her to pursue a career in heating and air conditioning instead. Decades later, after taking time off work due to cancer, she was cleaning out her basement and stumbled upon the old art supplies.
“She started dabbling, and now she’s an award-winning pastel artist recognized nationally,” Janke said.
“In her spare time, she started weaving pine needle baskets. I saw one on her Facebook page and thought that I wanted to try it one day. So, when Covid hit, I did,” Janke said.
It turned out to be even more exciting than Janke expected.
Photos courtesy of Kathy Janke.
“I love pine needle basketry because there’s no pattern. You can take it in any direction you want to go. And the basket really does speak to you as you’re working on it, and gives you input on what’s good and what isn’t.”
Janke teaches classes on both of her favorite mediums. She offers a six-hour class on creating landscapes with alcohol ink and another six-hour class on floral designs. She also teaches a six-hour class on long-leaf pine needle coiling with a porcelain center, as well as a two-day class that involves coloring gourds with alcohol ink before coiling.
Students at any skill level are welcome.
“Artists that are very good in one medium usually can slide into another medium a little easier, but, by far, the majority of my students have no artistic background. They have never experimented with art before but are interested. Some are just doing it as a pleasant way to spend the day, and others really want to learn,” Janke said.
Janke provides everything but lunch. As a self-proclaimed “professional collector of art supplies for 45 years,” she’s happy to share.
“It’s not like you go out and make a $150 purchase of a pastel set and paper and whatever [else]. You have everything you need to practice and see if it’s something you want to continue with,” Janke said.
Janke will teach two classes in Tellico Village in March, but she plans to hold everything else at her gallery throughout December and February, March and April 2025. Those interested can call or email Kathy Janke. Her contact information is on her website.
“From policework, to the campground, to landscaping, to the B&B and now this—I feel like, at 70, this is probably my last job,” Janke said with a chuckle. Most days, except Tuesdays, you can find her at her gallery located at 110 Mountain Ave in Townsend.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Recent Comments