Jayne Rose was named the 2008 Illinois Alliance for Art Education Artist of the Year. Rose, of Grand Detour, (and Exhibiting Artist Member of TNPS) received the award for her work with the Authentic Artist program with 5th and 6th graders at Reagan Middle School and for mural work with the Juvenile Probation Program.

She accepted the award on March 11, during Arts Education week, in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda in Springfield.

Debbie Thompson, who is an art teacher at Reagan, nominated Rose for the award. Rose has visited Thompson's classroom many times to teach painting techniques and to oversee special projects.

"Jayne is phenomenal when she works with children," Thompson said. "They really respond to her, and she brings art to life for them. It is valuable for our students to have contact with professional artists. Jayne has given so willingly of her time, and her work has created lasting impressions."

At the school, Rose has worked with students over the past several years on such things as creating still lifes and rural landscapes, designing stain-glass projects and painting several murals at KSB Hospital and at the Lee County Court House.

Last summer, she worked on a Collaborative Mural with Lee County Juvenile Probation Office, along with Debbie Thompson and Arin Thompson. They instructed five children in the creation of an 8-foot by 20-foot "Magical Trees" mural to go on the waiting room wall for the juvenile probation office in Dixon. Rose also created a blog documenting the process, themuralproject.wordpress.com.

"While I love creating my own art, I feel strongly about sharing my passion and knowledge with kids. It is so rewarding to see them achieve things that they never thought possible," said Rose, who paints with oils and acrylics.

"Getting this award is a great honor to me," said the Mendota native.

Rose currently works part time for Affinity AV New Media Design as graphic designer (websites) and office administrator. She also volunteers at The Next Picture Show fine arts center in Dixon doing graphic design work and website management, as well as instructing workshops.