Janis Porter-Biography

Janis Porter is finally living her dream. As a young girl, she always wanted to be an artist,

but as with most things, life can get in the way. Janis grew up in California and after graduating from University of California, Berkeley, she headed to Germany where she started her family and was instrumental in setting up the first international school in Burghausen, Bavaria. It is still in operation today.

Upon returning to the states, determined to provide a good life for her two young children, she re-enrolled at Berkeley in pursuit of higher education. Along with a teaching credential, Janis now holds two Master’s degrees, one in history the other in education. The next 29 years were spent teaching children in the rougher parts of Richmond, CA. When asked why she chose that area, she responded, “I loved children and wanted to make a difference”.

Janis began painting in 1999. Under the tutelage of a few local painters whose work she appreciated, her own style began to emerge. It happened rather quickly, as she was awarded 1st place three months later in her very first California Watercolor Association show held at the Governor's Mansion in Sacramento, CA.

Retired from teaching, Janis now paints all the time, or as much as she can between the hours she spends giving back to her community. Janis serves on the board at both the Mendocino Art Center and the Mendocino Community Library. She also volunteers at many other non-profit groups and clubs. In 2016, She and her husband John were honored by being asked to be the Grand Marshalls at the local 4th of July Parade...the theme was volunteering.

Janis has been the featured artist by many organizations including the Mendocino Music Festival, the Kelly House Museum, Winesong , the Mendocino Coast Garden Tour and the Rotary Art Auction to
name a few.

She resides in South Caspar, California just a few miles north of Mendocino.