Jan Allen

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Jan Allen passed away on February 26, 2024, in Glens Falls, NY following a lengthy battle with Pancreatic Cancer and surrounded by family and loved ones.

Jan was born on September 16, 1960, in Glens Falls, NY, and was considered by all a beloved Aunt, Sister, Teacher, Artist, and Muse. She described herself as:” a Conceptual Artist working primarily with sculptural assemblage and interactive installations. The work is concerned with the interface between the personal and the public and invites a conversation in which to explore that connection.”

Jan’s educational background is impressive and extensive.

She graduated from Hudson Falls Central School, Hudson Falls, NY Class of 1978 obtaining a Regents Diploma and Majoring in Business and Art. After high school Jan attended multiple colleges including Mohawk Community College, Utica, NY; class of 1981 obtaining an AAS Degree in Advertising Design and Production; University of Maine, Farmington, ME; class of 1996 obtaining a BS Degree in Psychology and the Arts with a self-directed major in Art Therapy with a focus on Death, Dying and Children; and Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpellier, VT, class of 2006 obtaining an MFA Degree in Design and Visual Arts

A world traveler, Jan’s studies took her to Guang An Men Hospital, Beijing, China in 1994 where she worked and studied Chinese Medicine and Acupressure. She continued her education by becoming a Reiki Master of Japanese Healing Technique for Life Energy and a Shiatsu Master of Japanese Message. She also experienced cultural   enlightenment as she explored local arts and traditions engaging with a hands-on approach and weaving herself into the fabric of the communities she served.  

With her extensive education, Jan worked in several influential fields including the Lower Adirondack Art Council in Glens Falls, NY, The Stanley Museum in Kingfield, ME, and The Adult Ed-MSAD #9 in Farmington, ME.

Advancing in her career, Jan touched many lives as an Art Teacher in Farmington, ME. After a move south, she continued teaching high school in Hilton Head, SC, and then in Greenville, SC where she retired in 2023. Jan continued with her personal artwork demonstrating to her students the importance of sharing their talents and taking an active role in the art community by inviting fellow artists to participate with her in her art installation shows.

Jan is preceded in death by her father; Raymond E Allen and her mother; Henrietta Francis, Tursla, Allen, Morris; a brother; Henry (Dinny) Allen and a sister; Deborah (Debbie) Allen Perkins. All from the surrounding Hudson Falls NY area.

She is survived by her life partner Daniel (Danny) Larrow in Liberty, SC, (2) Step-Sons; Samual Anderson (Vail, CO) and Woody Anderson (Oakland, CA), (2) Brothers; William D. (Billy) Allen and his wife Mary Reilly White Allen, residing in Richardson, TX and Donald L. Allen and his wife Anne Marie Bartlett Allen, residing in Gansevoort, NY, Sister, Judy Allen Mackay and her husband William (Dave) Mackay residing in Ridgefield, WA, Sister-in-law Patrica ( Patty) Tucker Zayacheck Allen residing in Glens Falls, NY, and Brother-in-law David Perkins residing in Kingsbury, NY.

Jan is also survived by many close nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Plans for an Art Exhibition and a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.

Donations may be made in Jan’s name to St Jude Children’s Hospital. She said: “Pay it forward”.