About Janet

Outline drawing of a pen with ink flowing from its tip.

Artist Overview

Janet Stahle is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, printmaking, mixed media and tradigital methods that blend traditional art making with digital exploration. Her images often draw on symbolism, story and cultural archetypes, inviting viewers to reflect on ideas that challenge familiar beliefs and ways of seeing. She creates work that reveals layers of meaning and tension between tradition and innovation, using both handmade and digital processes to build her visual language. This approach reflects her training in philosophy and fine art, and her belief in art as a way to explore complex emotional and intellectual questions more freely than academic study allows.

Over a career that spans more than four decades, her artwork has been exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the McMichael Gallery and in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Ontario and beyond. Her pieces appear in private and corporate collections, have been featured in Canadian publications and have received recognition through awards, grants and juried shows. Janet has also shared her expertise as a Fine Art instructor at Nipissing University and Fleming College, continuing to inspire others while evolving her own creative practice at Tapawingo Studio.

An artist and a woman examining artwork in an art studio filled with papers, paintings, and art supplies.
Three women standing in an art gallery, viewing framed artwork on the wall. One woman is holding a drink, another is looking at her phone, and the third, with gray hair, has her back to the camera.

Exhibitions & Recognition

My artwork has been exhibited in galleries, theatres and art spaces across Ontario for more than forty years, including solo shows at the Algonquin Visitors Centre, Algonquin Theatre and The Chapel Gallery, as well as group and juried exhibitions like the Limberlost Studio Tour, the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour and shows at the McMichael Gallery and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

My work has received awards and appeared in Canadian books, magazines and newspapers, and is held in private and corporate collections nationally and internationally. I have also taught Fine Art at Nipissing University and Fleming College, supporting emerging artists while continuing to grow in my own creative practice.

More details are available on my Events & Shows page.

    • 2018 * Artist Crossing (solo), August at Algonquin Visitors Centre, Algonquin Park, Ont.

    • 2017 * Evolution of the Print (solo) Sept. at Algonquin Theatre, Partners Hall, Huntsville, Ont.

    • 2017 Limberlost Studio Tour (Aug. 19th & 20th), Billy Bear Resort, Huntsville, Ont.

    • 2017 Still Growing Huntsville Arts Society show at Canada Summit Centre, Huntsville, Ont.

    • 2017 Canada 150th Square Affair (Almaguin Arts Council), Near North EnviroCentre, Sundridge, Ont.

    • 2017 *Dwight Library, Blockprints, Dwight, Ontario

    • 2016 Almaguin Highlands Arts Council, Member Exhibition, Highland Brewery, South River, Ont.

    • 2016 Recent Work, The Hub, Huntsville, Ontario (March-April)

    • 2016 Spring Vitality, Summit Centre, Huntsville, Ontario (Feb-May)

    • 2016 Out of This World, Summit Centre, Huntsville, Ontario (Nov.-Feb)

    • 2016 Our Home and Native Land , Summit Centre, Huntsville, Ont. (May-Aug)

    • 2015 Kindred Spirits, Algonguin Theatre, Huntsville, Ontario (June)

    • 2014 Oxtongue Lake for Arts and Culture, Oxtongue Lake, Dwight, Ont. (Sept.)

    • 2013 John Parrott Gallery, Belleville, Ontario, Artists of Algonquin

    • 2011 When the Garden Speaks, Kennedy Gallery, North Bay, Ont. (April) two person

    • 2010 G8 Summit Centre Art Show, Huntsville, Ont. June – Sept.

    • 2009 * Music to Canvas, Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville, Ont. (August)

    • 2008 Algonquin Theatre, 3-person show, Huntsville (November)

    • 2007 Grace and Speed Group Show, Gravenhurst Wharf, Ont.

    • 2007 Manse Gallery Annual Show, Baysville, Ont.,

    • 2006 Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville, Ont. “Pentad – 10 years”

    • 2006 Algonquin Art Centre, Algonquin Park

    • 2005 Algonquin Art Centre, Algonquin Park

    • 2005 Connecting, Park to Park Trails Travelling Show

    • 2005 Muskoka Seven, Huntsville Civic Centre Grand Opening

    • 2004 Group Show, Eclipse Gallery (Deerhurst), Huntsville, Ontario

    • 2003 Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour 25th Anniversary Show, Deerhurst Gallery

    • 2002 Art in The Park, Algonquin Park Art Gallery

    • 2001 Art In Algonquin Park, Algonquin Visitors Centre Gallery, Ont.

    • 2001 Great Canadian Miniature Show, Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ont.

    • 2000 Group Show, Eclipse Gallery, Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ont.

    • 2000 Great Canadian Miniature Show, Eclipse Gallery, Deerhurst Resort

    • 2000 *Recent Work, Bird Mill Gallery, Bracebridge, Ont.

    • 2000 Blockprints (2-person), Tamarack Gallery, Gravenhurst, Ont.

    • 1999 Recent Work (2-person show) Rail’s End Gallery, Haliburton , Ont.

    • 1998 Canadian Contemporary Works On Paper, Art Gallery of Ontario

    • 1998 *Beyond Eden, (Solo Show) The Chapel Gallery, Bracebridge, Ontario

    • 1998 Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour 20th Anniversary Show, Windermere, Ont.

    • 1998 100 Prints (Juried), Open Studio, Toronto, Ontario

    • 1997 Autumn Art Show (Juried), McMichael Gallery, Kleinburg, Ontario

    • 1997 100 Prints (Juried), Open Studio, Toronto, Ontario

    • 1997 Work by Pentad, Bird Mill Gallery, Bracebridge, Ont

    • 1997 Pentad - New Work, Hillside Art Centre, Hillside, Ont.

    • 1997 *Blockprints, for Partner’s Retreat, Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ont.

    • 1997 Muskoka Lakes Music Festival Gala Reception, Gravenhurst Opera House

    • 1996 Pentad in Algonquin Park, Algonquin Park’s Visitors Centre Art Gallery

    • 1996 Pentad, Arts and Letters Club, Toronto, Ontario

    • 1995 100 Prints (Juried), Open Studio, Toronto, Ontario

    • 1995 Mixed Media by Women Artists, Arts and Letters Club, Toronto, Ont.

    • 1995 Northern Perspectives, Huntsville Festival of the Arts, Huntsville, Ont.

    • 1995 Autumn Art Show (Juried), McMichael Gallery, Kleinburg, Ont.

    • 1995 International Conference on Women - Look Out Project for a Just and HealthyPlanet, Beijing, China.

    • 1995 Original Prints, Sassafras Gallery, Huntsville, Ontario

    • 1995 Mixing The Media, Chapel Gallery, Bracebridge, Ontario

    • 1994 6 X 6 International Exhibition of Small Artworks, (Juried) Wills Gallery, Bridgent Wales

    • 1994 Quilt Project, (Touring) Women’s Art Resource Centre, Toronto, Ont.

    • 1993 Bookworks ‘93, (Juried), Uncommon Objects Gallery, Toronto, Ontario

    • 1993 Huntsville Hospital Foundation Gallery of Artists,(Juried) Huntsville, Ont

    • 1992 Great Graphics, Gallerie Publications, Vancouver, B.C.

    • 1992 Associate Artist-in-Residence, Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ontario

    • 1991 *Mixed Media, (Solo) Elmira Art Gallery, Elmira, Ontario

    • 1990 *Just-A-Position, (Solo), Chapel Gallery, Bracebridge, Ontario

    • 1989 Opening Exhibition, Chapel Gallery, Bracebridge, Ontario

    • 1988 National Association of Photographic Art (Touring)

    • 1986 Teeter Totters, White Water Gallery, North Bay, Ontario

    • 2018 Ontario Arts Coucil Exhibition Grant for Algonquin Park Show

    • 2011 Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Grant for Kennedy Gallery Show

    • 2010 Excellence in Printmaking, Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    • 2003-2009 No participation in award shows or grant applications

    • 2002 Best Use of Media, Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    • 1998 Best Use Of Colour, Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    • 1997 Ontario Arts Council Grant for solo show “Beyond Eden”

    • 1996 Ted Williams Memorial Award for Most Innovative, Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    • 1996 Founding Patrons’ Award, Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    • 1996 Excellence in Mixed Media, Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    • 1996 Excellence in Printmaking, Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    • 1994 Excellence in Mixed Media, Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    • 1988 Excellence in Drawing, Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    • 1988 Excellence in Photography, Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    • 1987 Second Place Slide Division, Georgian Bay Region Photographic Show

    • 1986 Numerous Awards (1sts & 2nds), Huntsville Photographic Annual Show

Janet Stahle Photo by Rob Stimpson
White decorative feather with swirling lines on a black background.

Professional Background

My professional background reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching and exploring a wide range of artistic practices. I studied fine art and philosophy at the University of Guelph and continued my training through respected art schools, studios and advanced workshops in Ontario and abroad. I later taught fine art credit courses at Nipissing University and Fleming College, offering classes in painting, drawing, printmaking, art fundamentals, tradigital work and native art. I continue to create using painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and tradigital methods.

    • Honours B.A., M.A. (Philosophy-aesthetics) and Fine Art University of Guelph

    • Fine Art Studies at Dundas Valley School of Art, Canadore College, Haliburton School of The Arts, Open Studio (printmaking), Toronto

    • Advanced classes in Waterless Lithography with Otis Tamasauskas from Queen’s Univ., Non-Toxic Etching with Ted Fullerton, Georgian College and Eric Matthew from O.C.A.D. Figurative Painting with Brian Smith (OCAD)

    • June 2010 - Solar plate etching, Pomegranate Studio (Maureen Booth), Granada, Spain

    • Presently experimenting with combining traditional art making with digital methods using various substrates and hand-made papers.

    • 2016-2019 - Instructor (drawing), Fleming College/Haliburton School of the Arts (dual credit course).

    • 2005-2016 – Instructor, Dept. Fine Art, Nipissing University, Muskoka Campus,

    • 2011 – Instructor (Digital Image Design Program), Haliburton School of the Arts

    • 1989 – Present –Workshops in Fine Art

    • 1984-85 - Huntsville High School, Art Dept., supply teaching

    • 1980-82 – Tutorial Assistant, Philosophy Dept. University of Guelph. Supply Teaching – Wellington Board of Education

    • 2010 – “The Culture Industry and Creative Economy: From an Individual Artist and Art Educator’s Perspective”, The International Journal of the Arts in Society,

    • Vol. 5, Issue 3, 2010, pp. 203-210, http://www.arts-journal.com

    • 1995 – “A Woman’s Book of Hours (Poems and block prints)”, Ed. of 13

    • 1985 – “The Play Element in Nietzsche”, M.A. Thesis, University of Guelph

    • Mike DeGagne, President Nipissing University

    • North Bay Regional Health Centre

    • Roots Canada, Toronto, Ontario 

    • Morin & Johnson Barristers, Huntsville, Ont.

    • Point of Vision Church, Royal Oaks, Michigan, U.S.A.

    • Fundex Investments, Pickering, Ont.

    • Baytides  Management Huntsville, Ont. 

    • Maplewood Productions, Inc., California, U.S.A.

    • Lueger Insurance Inc., Toronto Ont.

    • Tembec Inc., Huntsville, Ontario

    • Karen Cassian – Hunter’s Bay Radio “ARTSRUS”, interviews Jan. 2017, Sept. 2017, Aug. 2018

    • Markus Schwabe - CBC Radio 1 Morning North (Sudbury), interview “Sky Woman installation, Feb. 2015

    • Lyn DeCaro – Hunter’s Bay Radio, Campus Beat, interview “Sky Woman” installation Feb. 2015

    • Patti Vipond, Ghost Dance Dress, Muskoka Life Magazine, August 2013

    • Andrea Hillo, Fwd- Roy McGregor , Artists of Muskoka (2013), Fwd- R. Bateman - Artists of Algonquin (2011)

    • Cogeco TV “Artifacts” series 2012-2013

    • CBC Screen Awards – March 2013, Hudson Bay Company TV Advertisement with my “Three Auroras”

    • Andrea Hillo, Forward by Robert Bateman, Artists of Algonquin, February 2012

    • Assouline Publishing, Fwd by Graydon Carter Ed. Vanity Fair, Hudson’s Bay Company, 2011

    • Pamela Steele, “Janet Stahle-Fraser – Profile”, Huntsville Forester, Feb/March 2010

    • Karen Cassian, “Artist Profile”, Huntsville On Line, Feb. 27, 2009

    • Patti Vipond, "Fall Colours", Beyond The City magazine, Sept./Oct. 2007

    • Elene Freer, “Explorations in Art”, Muskokan, Sept. 26, 2002

    • Jenny Cressman, “Profile”, Muskoka Magazine, July, 2000

    • Ruth Louden, “Inner Landscapes” in Muskoka Originals, Whitnorth Publishing (1998)

    • Miranda Britton, “Artists debate the Creative Process”, Muskokan, Aug. 6, 1998

    • Mel Malton, “Solo Show Charts New Territory”, The Forester, July 29, 1998

    • Gerry Allaby, “Show Enchants and Challenges” The Muskokan, July 23/98

    • Peter Gzowski, Interview with Pentad on CBC Radio’s “Morningside”, April 1997

    • Elene Freer, “The Reason Why”, Muskokan, Aug. 28, 1997

    • Eleanore Kosydar, Autumn Studio Tour- Country Connection Magazine, No. 27, 1996

    • Susan Pryke, Hand-bound book highlights artist’s talents Muskokan, May/95

    • Gillian Brunette, Artful Angels, The Huntsville Forester, June 2, 1993

    • Donald Taylor, Bound To Be A Glorious Read, Globe And Mail, Oct. 28, 1993

    • Caffyn Kelley, Woman with Gift - Janet Stahle-Fraser, Artists’ News, #11/12/93

    • Women’s Art Resource Centre, Benefit Poster-”Play of The World”, 1989

Artist Statement

I am an artist who works in several media - painting, printmaking, mixed and digital media.  My work sometimes flows between traditional and new methods of making art.  New technology and media lead me into new explorations.  Currently, I am creating what I call “tradigital” pieces that combine traditional art media with digital technology.  For these pieces I often create unusual substrates to print on.

I believe I am at my creative best when I create art that reveals cultural archetypes, beliefs and rituals that pose questions rather than providing answers.  Revealing the tension between traditional ways of understanding and new ideas that challenge those traditions is my focus.  Symbolism and stories that add layers of meaning are often found in my work. 

At university I completed an M.A. in philosophy as well as studies in fine art. My artwork comes out of both disciplines.  Using art to ask powerful questions and examine complex and contradictory ideas and emotions allows me to express myself in a way I could not do academically.  I try to follow my creative inclinations and the result is art that I believe is intriguing, challenging, and conceptually sound. 

My work has been exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the McMichael Gallery and in numerous solo and group shows, with awards, as well as nationally and internationally. My work has been featured in Canadian books, magazines and newspapers and is included in both private and corporate collections. I am a retired faculty member in Fine Art at Nipissing University and Fleming College.