The Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce, The Lee County Area Cancer Resource Center and Combined Community Action are hosting a reception to honor Ms. Janel Jefferson, a renowned artist originally from the Giddings area and now residing in California. Janel was born in Anchorage, Alaska and raised in San Antonio, Texas. In 1986 she received a BFA in Studio Art from Texas State University in San Marcos. Janel is married to Michael Francis, son of Marshall Lanier & Charles Etta Francis of Giddings and her parents, Mr. & Mrs, Leroy Jefferson reside in Brenham, Texas.

Nationally collected, Janel is represented by Wally Workman Gallery in Austin, Texas.

Her use of color, texture and form creates captivatingly haunting portraits that lend a glimpse into the past. Whimsical or serious, the eyes of her subjects reflect the depth of their collective experience.

Janel, a breast cancer survivor, painted “Hope” as an entry in the Creative Cups for the Cause Art Bra Contest conducted by the Lee County Area Cancer Resource Center (LCACRC). It is dedicated to the memory of and in honor of all those diagnosed with breast cancer. Ms. Jefferson donated the painting, valued at $1800 to help raise funds to support the mission of the LCACRC. Tickets may be purchased for the drawing through the LCACRC.

The public is invited to attend the reception honoring Ms. Jefferson on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at the red brick depot from 5:00pm – 6:30pm.