Jeanie Chadwick

Born in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, Jeanie Chadwick remembers drawing inside books, on walls and any blank surface before the age of two. She was quick to share her enthusiasm for art in the homes of friends, family and neighbors. This is about the same time that she began “editing” family photographs. Her interest in art continued throughout her childhood. In high school she was introduced to oil paint and watercolor, so she set up a studio at the foot of her bed and began accepting commissions for portraits. During high school she became involved in the family antiques business. Soon after she married and put art aside to raise four children. During that time she started up her famous traveling petting zoo, “Mrs. Chadwick’s Funny Farm”, featuring “The Party Animals” and “Funny Farm Ragdolls and Ragamuffins. Always involved with animals, she served as Radnor Township, Pennsylvania’s animal warden and obtained state licensing for animal rehabilitation, but that’s a whole other story. She was usually the family photographer, so she became a professional during her few seconds of spare time. After 17 years, the “Party Animals” retired and as a result she pursued photography full time. One day she bought a French easel and started painting again after 25 years. She feels that the study of photography has helped her to better understand painting. Although she is unschooled in art, she feels very strongly about the value of education. She has won national and international competitions with her photography and art, her subjects being very diverse. Her work is in private collections nationally and in Europe. Her children now grown and with four grandchildren, most days she can be found in her home-studio, at her easel. She lives in Wayne, Pennsylvania with her musician and teacher husband Jay, youngest son Danny and their 11 year old Chihuahua, “Senor”. Jay Jr. and his new bride live in Malvern. Both daughters and their families live in Maryland.