About Jeanne
During Jeanne's life, including her five year battle with Cancer, she felt a need to make a difference in the lives of children, and determined that this need could be met through her love of art.
In 2014, Jeanne’s family, developed the "Art By Jeanne" Jeanne Vanderbeek Downey Benefit Trust, where every year a scholarship would be awarded to a school districts art program or an individual in an art program, that showed great artistic talent and continued devotion to the creative arts, just as Jeanne did herself.
Jeanne believed that children should be exposed to the joy and cathartic benefits of art. It is important to our family to keep Jeanne's spirit alive. We believe this trust is the beginning of something bigger. It is up to us to continue to raise funds to help spread the love of art that she shared with so many during her short time on earth.
Beginnings
Born October 11, 1970, Jeanne Vanderbeek started expressing herself through art at an early age. She expressed her love of art from elementary school through married life. Jeanne always made time to draw, paint and create.
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, her work took her into the area of Graphic Design, which she did for several companies until finally deciding to go on her own.
Family
It was during this transition that Jeanne was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. During her five year battle with this disease Jeanne focused on her children. Jeanne volunteered in Gallery Time, a supplemental art program in her local school district and ran her own art program for children in her home.
Jeanne continued to sketch and draw, until her body couldn’t any more. This is when she focused on teaching others, especially children.
It is this spirit that this trust is looking to continue supporting the education of children. Jeanne knew full well the benefits of art and its importance. Our goal is to help fund programs and instructors in the area of the arts.
Art & Nature
In addition to her love of art, Jeanne was a huge lover of nature and a greener environment. In addition to supporting the arts and children’s education, Jeanne knew the importance of being green to ensure our children have a healthy and safe place to spend their adult lives.
Sharing
Our family was so deeply touched by Jeanne’s love, teachings, hope and joy of life. We know Jeanne’s time on earth was far too short, she had so much more to share. We soon realized that even though Jeanne is not physically with us, we could continue to keep her spirit alive by helping others that share her passion for the arts and the education of our youth.