Janet Kaplan, R.I.P.

I just found out that Janet Kaplan, a faculty member at Vermont College of Fine Art, has passed away. She was a one-of-a-kind individual who I credit for talking me down off the metaphorical ledge of leaving the program.

“More people see your work in one day than some artists get in a year. Stick with it.”

I’ll never forget what Janet said said to me during my final graduate review. She complimented me on my “stubbornness and persistence.” Then followed that with: “…I know I was one of the ones that rode you pretty hard. But, in spite of all of that, you stuck to your guns… so I applaud you for that.”