Welcome to JanMarieArt.com...
the virtual home of Jan’s Art Studio, located in beautiful Bastrop Louisiana, which is the parish seat of Morehouse Parish. Bastrop was founded by the Baron d Bastrop, a Dutch embezzler who falsely claimed to be a nobleman. He had fled to the then Spanish colony of Louisiana to escape prosecution, and became involved in various land deals. He received a large grant of land, provided that he could settle 450 families on it over the next several years. However, he was unable to do this, and so lost the grant. Afterwards, he moved to Texas, where he claimed to oppose the sale of Louisiana to the United States, and became a minor government official. He proved instrumental in Moses Austin's plan (and later, that of his son, Stephen F. Austin) to bring American colonists to what was then northern Mexico.
Bastrop formally incorporated in 1857, and is the commercial and industrial center of Morehouse Parish. In the 19th century, it was notable as the western edge of the great north Louisiana swamp, but more favorable terrain resulted in the antebellum rail line connecting to Monroe, Louisiana, further to the south.
Bastrop was a Confederate stronghold during the American Civil War until January 1865, when 3,000 cavalrymen led by Colonel E. D. Osband of the Third U.S. Colored Cavalry, embarked from Memphis, Tennessee, for northeastern Louisiana. Landing first in southeastern Arkansas, Osband and his men began foraging for supplies into Louisiana and established headquarters at Bastrop. They brought in a large number of horses, mules, and Negroes, according to the historian John D. Winters in The Civil War in Louisiana. When Osband learned that Confederate Colonel A. J. McNeill was camped near Oak Ridge in Morehouse Parish with 800 men, he sent a brigade into the area. The Union troops found fewer than 60 Confederates, most of whom fled into the swamps, leaving behind horses and mules.
During the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, Bastrop was the site of a relief camp for refugees. During World War II, it was the site of German prisoner-of-war camp.
Taking this rich history, Jan began her painting and teaching career in 1973. Her methods and techniques have evolved over the years, as has her student base. Jan’s Art Studio offers nationally known guest artists on a frequent basis as well as personalized weekly classes and workshops. The studio also offers a custom framing department as well as an art supply department.
Won’t you come visit, join and enjoy this little studio with the great classes in one of Northeast Louisiana’s most charming cities. For directions, a list of motels and camp ground, visit the Contact Page. We look forward to seeing ya'll!
