Joan Howatson Arts & Culture Wall Of Fame

Joan Howatson was born in 1921 in Almora, India, and was educated in England.  She earned certificates in painting and drawing at Wimbledon School of Art, and a Teacher’s Diploma from the Institute of Education University of London. She studied pottery in Switzerland and England and in Canada at Sheridan School of Art and Technology.    After war service as a topographical draughtswoman, Joan taught art in England, Switzerland Egypt and Canada.

Joan came to Canada in 1968 and settled in Niagara Falls.  Here she joined the Niagara District Art Association and opened a pottery studio.  She has exhibited in jury shows in Canada and the United Kingdom.  Joan taught pottery and painting for St. Catharines Parks and Recreation Department and the Niagara South Board of Education and was one of the first members of the Niagara Falls Arts & Culture Commission. 

Joan is best known for her work with the Niagara District Art Association.  She worked tirelessly and held numerous executive positions including president and vice-president.  As workshop Chairwoman, she helped recruit new members, conducted workshops and demonstrations, organized outdoor painting and the Canada Day Art Show, and developed successful new creative programming.   She was instrumental in the late 1980s in the development of the Poets and Painting Art Show, partnering paintings and poetry created by members of the Niagara District Art Association and the Niagara Branch of the Canadian Authors Association.  She was an enthusiastic and accomplished artist who won several awards for her work, including the Canada Trust and Hilda Danks Awards.

Sadly, Joan Howatson passed away in Niagara Falls in January, 2002.