30 Years Later

Reception: January 13 • 5-8pm
On Exhibit until January 26

Craven Arts Council and Gallery is proud to host 30 Years Later, an exhibition of the work of Jan Francoeur and Carol Tokarski in the Main Gallery at Bank of the Arts during January. This exhibition will feature works by both artists who have worked together for years. 

Carol Tokarski and Jan Francoeur served as arts administrators in New Bern for many years in addition to working towards their own artistic pursuits. Jan Francoeur opened, owned and operated Carolina Creations from 1989 to 2018. Carol Tokarski worked in nonprofit arts administration for decades, including serving as Executive Director at Craven Arts Council and Gallery for 13 years. Tokarski and Francoeur went to the same small college in Michigan, but did not know each other well until both moved to New Bern in 1989 and connected. Shortly after moving to New Bern they had a joint exhibition at the Banks of the Arts and now 30 years later, they’re exhibiting at the Bank of the Arts once again. Francoeur’s work in 30 Years Later is all about observations and painting what she loves such as gardens, architecture, travel and New Bern. This past year she experimented with a new medium, oil painting. Tokarski’s work focuses on utilizing rich colors and smooth blending to create energy and motion. She finds inspiration in nature, specifically her backyard where she paints the natural patterns she observes.