"As exciting and fulfilling as it is to be an artist and a writer, other things rank higher on our list when it comes to who we are. We also feel extremely humbled and grateful to be Christians, best friends, parents of twelve, and grandparents of nine." ~ Gary & Jan Bower
Jan, how do you find time to paint with 12 kids? Of course, I paint a lot more now that 6 of them have moved out of the home. I used to require huge blocks of time, which were difficult to make. Now I've learned to paint 5 minutes here, ten minutes there. When I face a book deadline, I try to take care of domestic business in the morning and paint in the afternoon, often with kids at a nearby table, easel, or at my knees. Where do you get your models to paint? They're all around me. Not only have I used my own kids and grandkids numerous times, but I'm always on the lookout for just the right age, hair color, features, etc. for the next painting. I find them at church, at art shows, and with the help of teachers. Sometimes I just walk up to total strangers with a business card if someone catches my eye. Do you homeschool your children? Yes, we have homeschooled since 1984, and look forward to graduating our twelfth child in 2022. What are the ages of your children?Our 9 daughters and 3 sons range from 32 years to 7 years. We changed diapers for 25 years straight years. Six of our kids are married. We look forward to meeting grandchild #10 in November 2011.
Gary & Jan Bower use Switched-On-Schoolhouse in their homeschool.
Have you both always lived in Northern Michigan?In 1990 we built our home seven miles west of Traverse City on 2.5 acres of the same family farmland Jan grew up on, where her grandparents once lived. Gary's family moved around a lot, mostly around Mansfield, Ohio, and four years in Horseheads, NY. Do each of you come from large families? Jan is the 4th of six children. Gary is the 3rd of five children. All our parents and siblings are still living. How did you meet? We met September 3, 1977 during a vocal audition at Fort Wayne Bible College in Ft. Wayne IN. That night we attended a Christian concert together. We have been "dating" ever since, with our most memorable date being on July 29, 1978 when we said our vows in a little Quaker church near Traverse City, MI. Jan, what hobbies do you enjoy? I enjoy flower gardening, running on the treadmill, sewing, and singing. I'm trying to learn to play viola. Gary, what hobbies do you enjoy? I read a lot, especially about history. Yard work clears my head (clearing brush, planting trees, mowing the lawn, etc.). I enjoy road trips with the family, walking, and outdoor activities. I enjoy listening to Jan and the kids make music. Actually, anything with the family. I especially love reading aloud to the kids in the evenings. Gary, what other line of work are you in? Writing, painting, publishing, speaking, and selling our books - this has been our family's entire means of support for the past twelve years. Before that I built houses, operated printing presses, worked at a bank, and served as a pastor of children and youth. Have you worked with other publishers? We have been published by several publishing companies in the past. Currently, we publish all our books ourselves, drawing from the lessons we've learn from some wonderful people in the industry. Publishers we've worked with include Tyndale Publishing, Pelican Publishing, and others.
We recommend these FUN and FAITH-filled magazines. Our kids love them!
Clubhouse / Clubhouse, Jr. (upper-elementary) (lower-elementary)
All artwork and text on this website are protected by copyright laws. All rights reserved. Copyright 2011 by Gary & Jan Bower 7700 Timbers Trail, Traverse City, Michigan 49684 * 231-941-0899
