Janet Aitken is a devoted advocate for environmental conservation, having dedicated much of her retired life to the preservation of nature. She currently serves  as President of the Salmon Arm Bay Nature Enhancement Society (SABNES) and has done so for the past 12 years. This non-profit organization plays a crucial role in protecting local wildlife in the Salmon Arm Bay area.

Janet is also President of the Shuswap Naturalist Club, Nature BC . Janet leads over 100 members with the guiding motto, "To know nature and keep it worth knowing," underscoring her commitment to enjoying and protecting nature.

Born in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, Janet was raised on a farm in the prairies, which instilled in her a profound appreciation for the natural world. This passion was nurtured by her cousin, Lorne Scott, a conservation pioneer who helped establish the Bluebird trail across Saskatchewan and received the Order of Canada for his contributions to conservation as an MLA.   Lorne continues to inspire Janet with his dedication to environmental stewardship. 

Her childhood was also enriched by her grandfather's chalk drawings and a family tradition of artistic expression. Although Janet did not formally engage in art until her retirement, the creativity fostered during her early years stayed with her.

Janet now resides in British Columbia, after spending several years in the Northwest Territories. Throughout her artistic journey, she has honed her skills through workshops led by renowned artists such as Lisa Figuero, Stephen Quiller, Zhong Yang Huang, Michael O'Toole, Blu Smith, Charlie Easton, and Mike Svob. Her artwork reflects her connection to nature, drawing inspiration from her explorations in British Columbia. As an avid photographer, Janet captures moments of natural beauty, which she translates onto canvas. 

Known for her bold contrasts, vivid colours and unique line work, Janet’s paintings celebrate nature. Janet is a member of the  Canadian Federation of Artists  and has attended two recent retreats in Bamfield.  Recently she has been accepted into the Artists for Conservation. Her work has been displayed in the Salmon Arm Arts Centre.  

Outside the studio, Janet enjoys kayaking, sailing, hiking,  camping,  birdwatching,  photography and spending time with her family. These activities continuously inspire her creativity and reinforce her commitment to environmental stewardship. Through her art, Janet Aitken aims to inspire others to cherish and protect the natural world, ensuring that its beauty endures for future generations.