Having worked with clay for more that twenty five years, Jan's porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware works can be found at the residence of the Governor General of Canada, have been presented to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of England, and are included in the collections of the Bronfmans, Reichmans and jazz musician Dr. Oscar Peterson.

Each piece and all processes are done entirely by hand and entirely by Jan Phelan, from the original design, through to the last luster firing. Each piece is carefully drawn onto and cut into with a small blade while the clay is still soft. Stains, oxides, glazes and lusters are applied in layers and fired many times to achieve depth and a rich, vibrant variation of colour. Each piece has 22K gold painted and permanently fired onto it. The magic, music and beauty of nature is her inspiration.

Education:
Aside from art being an ongoing education in itself, Jan continually takes and teaches courses in art. Her primary artistic eduation was at Ontario College of Art, 1966 - 1970, and the Banff School of Fine Arts.

Awards:
-Prime minister of England, Margaret Thatcher is presented a large vase by Ontario's Premier, David Peterson. March, 1988
-Commissioned by the Governor General of Canada to create twenty one place settings to be used at Rideau Hall, Ottawa. 1988
-Chinese Minister of Foreign Economic Relations is presented a large bowl by Minister James Keleher
-Barbare McDougal is presented a vase from the Progressive Conservative Party 1987
-Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts 1987, First Place Popular Award, Second Place Best in Show.
-Ontario Craft Council, Best Ceramics in show and Award of Merit, Central Region 1983.
-Ontario Potters Association, Purchase Award, 1982
-Ontario Craft Council Award of Merit 1981
-John Mather Prize, Central Region, 1978
-Ontario Craft Council Award of Merit 1978

Corporate Commissions:
-E-7 Summit Conference Diplomatic gifts for visiting dignitaries, 1998
-International Conference for N.A.P.G.A. - 150 vases for delegates, 1995
-Royal Victoria Hospital Doner Awards for major doners, 1994
-Chamber of Commerce Awards, Midland, 1996 - 2001

Exhibitions -selected
-Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery Feture Artist Exhibit 1997 and 2001
-Fusion Biennial Exhibition, travelling exhibit 1998 & 2000
-Arts on King, One person show, Works in Clay and painting, 1998
-Maple Hill Art Gallery, Barrie, Ontario, Grand Opening Group Show1998
-Gallery Vie, Hamilton, Ontario, four person show, 1987
-Fine Contemporary Craft Gallery, Shelly Tadman, two person show, Winnipeg, 1986
-Nancy Poole's Studio Gallery, Hazelton Ave, Toronto, three person show, 1986 and 1985
-Parson's Gallery, New York. Four person show 1985
-The Perfect Setting, Winner of the National Competion to design and create dinnerware for the Governor General of Canada, 1984 travelling show
-Ontario Craft Council Exhibition, 1985,1983, 1981,
-Ontario Potters Association, Yorkville, Toronto, two person show 1982
-Thomas Gallery, Winnipeg Group show, 1976
-National Ceramics Exhibition, Glenbow Alberta Institute, 1975
-Neinkamper, Toronto, two person show, 1970