Jan Dodgins

Jan left the trappings of metropolitan Washington, DC with her husband, Jim and moved to West Virginia in the spring of 1975. Inspired by the beauty of Hampshire County, her interest in photography was spurred beyond an initial interest originating during early childhood.

For the past 23 years, she has taught photography and graphic arts at the West Virginia School for the Deaf, transforming a black and white photography curriculum into a progressive program consisting of digital photography integrated with computer graphics, and passing her love for this art form to the next generation. She has also done this teaching at Hampshire County Arts Council's Summer Art Camp.

Accompanied by Sidney and Tucker, her canine companions, Jan treks the family farm daily, honing her skills while fulfilling her true passion, nature photography, by capturing images of the inhabitants and their habitat along the drains of Bear Wallow Hollow.

Jan’s photography has been published in Wonderful West Virginia magazine, and her images have won national, regional, and local acclaim. She enjoys all aspects of graphic arts, and has designed CD covers, menus, posters, logos, and brochures for local artists and businesses.