When life handed her lemons, Jane Wesby made lemonade for the entire community through the creation of River Queen Artisans Gallery, which is located at 8 Church Street in Lambertville.
Jane was one of three founding friends behind River Queen, which began as a co-op gallery, but soon after transformed into a gallery owned and operated by Lambertville’s Jane Spencer Wesby and her husband, Edward Dumchus.
Today, River Queen has stayed true to their intention, despite a change in operations. They focus on showcasing local art and artists as well as local musicians with regular live performances.
That hard work, creativity, and continued dedication to the local art community has led Jane to be recognized at one of the Top Movers & Shakers of Hunterdon County 2015.
Owner Jane Spencer Wesby attended the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts where she studied costume design, jewelry design and poster design prior to joining corporate America. During her successful career as a corporate executive, Jane maintained her creative energy through photography and her continuing involvement in custom jewelry design.
It was Hunterdon County’s gain when Jane took the leap to open River Queen. Hunterdon-ites are also regularly treated to work curated by Jane at the popular eatery Caffe Galleria.
Here’s more from the talented Jane Wesby:
Hunterdon Happening: What motivates you every morning?
Jane: Knowing new opportunities await.
Hunterdon Happening: What would you say is your idea of a perfect day?
Jane: A sunny summer day spent in and around water with friends and family. Followed by a gathering with the same enjoying food and drink to celebrate. Throw in watching the sunset and that’s it.
Hunterdon Happening: Who inspires you?
Jane: My husband, my friends and my family. We are all creative people, many of whom have overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.
Hunterdon Happening: How did you decide to open River Queen Artisans Gallery?
Jane: A happy accident and the desire for a creative life. I was laid off from corporate America and decided to take a chance with some old and new friends to start a gallery. It is my husband’s and mine now and we love it.
Hunterdon Happening: Which achievement are you most proud of?
Jane: My daughter Julianna. She is an amazing woman.
Hunterdon Happening: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Jane: Poverty and lack of education as a single parent.
Hunterdon Happening: What is the biggest accomplishment that you’d like to achieve over the next 5 years?
Jane: Continued involvement in my community which will hopefully contribute to its visibility and success as well as that of all our local businesses.
Hunterdon Happening: How do you think your friends & coworkers would describe you?
Jane: I hope engaged, empathetic and collaborative.
Hunterdon Happening: Where’s your favorite place to go in Hunterdon County?
Jane: Just about anywhere. We live in such a beautiful place.I have a convertible bug and one of my favorite things to do is to put the top down and drive the back roads. Wonder at every turn.
Hunterdon Happening: If you could go back in time and talk to yourself ten years ago, what advice would you give?
Jane: Stay the course!
Hunterdon Happening: And that you have! Congratulations, Jane. Your vision and work at River Queen is a great contribution to the community.
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