Jean Silver

Jean has been a member of the Bookies for about 13 years.

Jean, or B.J. as some know her, has been creating as long as she can remember. Having grown up in her parent’s florist, art has been an integral part of her life since childhood.

Jean’s greatest influencer and strongest supporter is her husband of 59 years, Robert Silver. Robert is a successful artist in his own right, working as an artist and blacksmith. Jean says. “Robert encourages me, critiques my work, and when necessary pushes me to produce.” Together, they owned and operated B.J. Silver Gallery and Frame Shop for over 20 years, at one time representing and selling artwork of more than 40 artists.

Jean says she is often inspired by fellow Bookie Janet Kaufman, with whom she spends many quality hours sharing and bouncing ideas around.

Jean stayed active in various artist groups for many years, serving as President of The Shelby Working Artist’s Guild, Secretary of Cleveland County Arts Council, and V.P. of Shelby Art League.

Jean’s preferred medium is watercolor which she often uses to illustrate her handmade books. She loves painting in miniature as well as mini-books.

Her plan for the near future is a collaboration with Barbara McKinney, writer and former Program Director and Adjunct English Instructor at Mars Hill University. Ms. McKinney plans to publish a book of her poetry and personal essays. She has asked Jean to illustrate the pages.