Meet Jan Schilling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jan Schilling.

Hi Jan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
I’m the owner of The Pear Tree Gallery in Alden, MI. 

My love of art has always been at the forefront, but I started as a Fashion Merchandising major at Northwood University in Midland. Those 2 years gave me a lot of business experience. My continued love for art caused me to transfer to Central Michigan University to pursue a degree in Art Education and I finished with a Graduate degree in painting at West Virginia University. I was an Art Teacher for about 15 years. Teaching others about Art also reinforced those principles in me. I started selling artwork at Art Festivals all over the Eastern United States in the summers. I especially enjoyed the shows here in Northern Michigan; Petoskey Art in the Park, Charlevoix Waterfront, Sutton’s Bay, and Traverse all offered wonderful shows. This gave me the practice of painting regularly and got me talking with the public about my own vision for painting. I paint primarily in watercolor but also do some large canvases in acrylic. The amazing views from the Michigan shores have become a common theme along with the woodlands of the north. 

In 2010, after many years selling art at summer festivals, I finally found the perfect little gallery in Alden, Michigan, right on the waterfront of beautiful Torch Lake. The Alden streets are lined with Pear Trees, and thus, The Pear Tree Gallery began. Our family cottage was just down the lake, and I grew up working at Brownwood Acres with the famous Mary Louise Morse and her daughter Mar DeTarr, teaching me so much about retail. It made me believe that a quaint store filled with originality would be a special place. 

Funny how the threads of life weave a story that you might not have expected. I’ve been running The Pear Tree for 14 years, and the joy of selling my own paintings along with the artwork of many other talented people has been a joy. In Northern Michigan, people are looking for the unusual and original. This appreciation fills our little towns with the cutest specialty shops. Alden is a very unique town, and our shops are bustling in the summer months. It’s a seasonal place up here, closed in winter months, and that gives me the chance to paint all winter to prepare compositions for the upcoming season. 

We will open in May, and our shop will be filled with inspirational new paintings, jewelry, woodwork, pottery, and clothing. The Pear Tree is open 10-5. May-October and open weekends in November and December. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a shop during the time of Covid was very challenging. My fears were enormous since a great deal of merchandise was already ordered and the possibility of being closed was looming. I used the extra time to paint more and actually found inspiration in the peacefulness. Having a positive attitude in solving problems is absolutely necessary in owning a small business. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist and painter, I’ve always been a different thinker. I’m kind of a dreamer, and that visualization guided me. I’m not afraid to experiment and fail because it often leads to a new approach. I started in Watercolor in 1975 and I do take a long time to plan larger compositions. I believe that learning to draw well first is a must and aids the artist in strong linear shapes and value tones. I use Cresent Watercolor board #114 and sometimes Yupo paper along with Graham (honey-based) watercolor paint. I do love to paint outdoors where the light and air greatly influence the emotion in the work, but taking photos and working inside can be successful as well. I always remind artists that your expression individuality eludes a feeling that is translated to the viewer like an unspoken language. 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
As an art teacher, “Risk-taking” was often a conversation. It is our nature to play it safe, do what is comfortable, and stay within the view of success. Being an artist IS a risk, and it takes a lot of inner belief and dedication to grow into a career that brings a lucrative result. My biggest risk was taken when I left my role as a high school art teacher and started leaning on art shows to earn my living. I purchased a trailer to haul enough artwork from Florida to Connecticut. I had young kids and decided it would be a summer adventure. We were at shows, rain or shine, and I became very innovative about how to show and what to have ready. My husband was very helpful and proclaims himself to be the A.S.S… the Artist Support System. I knew in my heart that I HAD to grow as a painter, and this demand of being prepared for shows pushed my buttons to paint more and work towards competitive quality. The best shows are juried, and applications for each show are accepted about 4 months in advance with digital photos of your work. In many cases, you are competing with some of the best painters in the country. I felt small and inexperienced but willing to learn. Booth fees run about 350. to 500.00, and along with the expenses of road trips, an artist needs to sell a lot per show to profit. There is a business mind to this, and while being creative, you need to keep a business head on the results. It’s being an entrepreneur and selling your dreams on the street. Yes, it feels risky!!! But worth it!!!

Pricing:

• Original watercolors: 500-800.00
• Original Acrylic on canvas: 1800-2000
• Limited Edition prints: 35.00-125.00
• Notecard pack of 5: 12.00

Contact Info:

• Website: ThePearTreeAlden.com