DES PLAINES – The work of Des Plaines artist Janet Thompson is being featured now through June 28 at the Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St. An artist’s reception is planned here from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 21. Refreshments will be served.

Thompson, who graduated with a degree in architectural design from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, taught art for a time at a private school in Schaumburg and for the Des Plaines Park District. It is something the pandemic derailed … but only for the moment. She very much wants to resume working with kids.

Thompson loves to paint nature and outdoor themes, inspired by her photography. She characterized the Rocky Mountains as her “home away from home.” Watercolors and chalk pastels are her favorite mediums, even though they can be hard to work with.