by Lisa A. Beach
Jane Kahler’s Artistic Journey in Retirement
Unlike many artists, Dallas-based painter Jane Kahler made her mark on the art scene later in her life. For over a decade now, the 83-year-old has been multi-faceted as an artist, educator, and co-owner at Artists’ Showplace in Dallas. In this space, Jane showcases and sells her own works, conducts painting classes, and manages the venue to promote other local artists.
Jane’s aspiration of becoming an artist began in her childhood, inspired by her father, who was an artist, and her aunt, an art instructor. Her professional journey began with designing packaging for food products while attending evening classes at the American School of Commercial Art.
In 1969, Jane secured a position at Custom Chenille Embroidery in Dallas, where she designed emblems and embroidery for jackets popular in colleges, rodeos, and the music industry. Over the 35 years she spent there, she also managed to attend evening and weekend painting workshops, all with the intent of pursuing painting full-time once she retired.
“Being a painter was always my dream, but I needed to balance work and family responsibilities,” reflects Jane, who is a mother to three sons.
After retiring in 2004, Jane became part of a community of artists and took on a partnership at the Artists’ Showplace. While she enjoys painting in her home studio, she also loves plein-air painting (painting outdoors) in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Jane’s artwork ranges across landscapes, portraits, pets, and wildlife subjects.
Taking inspiration from her aunt, Jane began to teach painting classes. “Teaching brings me joy as I want to impart the knowledge I gained from the exceptional instructors I had,” Jane shares.
Active in various local art organizations, such as the Irving Art Association, DeSoto Art League, and Texas Area Artists, Jane has received numerous accolades for her art, including “Best of Show.”
An inspiring story of a late-blooming artist!
Contact Jane at jakahler@tx.rr.com or visit her at theartistsshowplace.com/janekhaler.
Beverly Parkhurst Moss: A Multifaceted Career Journey
You could refer to her as a true Renaissance woman.
With a rich background spanning 40 years as a publisher, columnist, author, media consultant, speaker, non-profit leader, and sales and marketing expert, Beverly Parkhurst Moss of Dallas exemplifies a career that combines diverse passions.
Starting her life in Montana, Beverly now thrives in her sales role at Rodrigosaffiliates, showcasing a well-rounded career trajectory that remains vibrant.
Having begun her publishing career in 1968 at the Dallas Times Herald, Beverly made history as the first woman hired in the outside classified sales department. However, after a decade, she sought a new path.
“As the primary breadwinner, I wanted a profession where I could fully invest myself,” Beverly states. “That led me to create my own publication, The Intowner, which became a popular feature in the Dallas Morning News.”
Beverly has authored various books that redirected her career. Co-authoring Beating Men at their Own Game: A Woman’s Guide to Successful Selling in Industry positioned her as a sought-after speaker and trainer in the fields of sales and marketing. She later published Dark Exodus: The Lost Girls of Sudan, a moving account of 15 women who survived the Sudanese genocide, prompting her to establish a non-profit organization to assist these survivors.
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Recently, Beverly unveiled her debut fiction work, *Zoie’s Adventures*, a suspenseful thriller tailored for tweens. She aims to create a legacy for her grandchildren, one that they can share with future generations.
But this is just the beginning. “As I developed the plot, my affection for the characters grew. I also have a passion for history, which allowed me to incorporate pre-historic Texas themes into the narrative,” Beverly shares. “I realized this book will be the first in a series.” Keep an eye out for the next installment in Beverly’s remarkable journey.
