Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Moi.

Hi Joyce, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

My story is deeply intertwined with my younger daughter, the late Janet Lee, and her remarkable journey. Janet was born a healthy child but was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy at just 1.5 years old—a form of epilepsy resistant to medication and without warning signs of onset. As she grew older, learning challenges compounded her struggles, with professionals advising us that there was little hope for her to ever read or write. However, Janet’s resilience and determination inspired me to push beyond these limitations.

When she was 16 years old, during a visit to Melbourne, Australia, for her sister’s graduation, a learning specialist offered a new perspective. The specialist suggested that Janet’s challenges with reading and writing were likely due to vision issues. While she was also diagnosed as intellectually disabled during this trip, we pursued addressing her vision difficulties, and in the same year, Janet began reading and writing. This milestone fueled her confidence and opened the door to her dreams.

From a young age, Janet had a love for colors, so I encouraged her to explore painting as a creative outlet given her learning difficulties. Sadly, several art teachers dismissed her as “not artistically gifted.” We then explored other options, including baking. While she enjoyed it, we soon realized it wasn’t ideal. Handling the oven posed safety risks for her, and her coordination often faltered when she was nearing a seizure, leading to errors in recipes. Since we prioritized quality and wanted people to buy her cookies because they genuinely enjoyed them, baking proved not to be a viable option. This brought us back to exploring what she could do with colors.

In 2010, we finally found an art teacher willing to embrace Janet’s love for colors using unconventional techniques. Under this teacher’s guidance, Janet’s potential began to blossom, leading to her first international art exhibition in 2014. However, it wasn’t until 2019, under the mentorship of an experienced artist, that her unique use of colors and her identity as a colorist were truly recognized.

In 2020, Janet achieved her dream of having a place of her own—Janet Lee Gallery—where people could experience not only her art but also her #artbeyondthecanvas creations. Her journey, however, was not without challenges. In May 2023, Janet was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and sadly passed away in July 2023. Despite this loss, her legacy continues to inspire me. Since her passing, Janet Lee Gallery has evolved into more than just a space to showcase her vibrant artworks and creations. It has become a platform for empowering neuro-diverse artists by mentoring their parents and siblings, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to guide their loved ones on their artpreneur journeys.

Today, the gallery stands as a vibrant tribute to Janet’s vision—a nurturing space where families of neuro-diverse artists find the support and resources they need to help their loved ones thrive. Janet’s determination to overcome obstacles and share her unique talents with the world remains my driving force. Through this work, her light continues to shine brightly.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The journey has certainly not been a smooth road—it was far from a bed of roses. My initial intention was simply to give Janet an opportunity to do something she loved and that others could appreciate, allowing her to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life. As we progressed, we began to realize the beauty of her #artbeyondthecanvas creations, combined with her resilience and determination in facing immense challenges. This inspired the idea of turning her passion into a small business that could provide her with a source of income and serve as an example to inspire others that nothing is impossible.

Bringing this idea to life was not easy. Many doubted whether it was realistic for Janet to succeed, given her medical and intellectual challenges. Pitching the beauty of her art and selling the vision of what could be done with her work proved equally difficult, as Janet was not a known name in the art world. Gaining trust, visibility, and appreciation for her creations required perseverance, dedication, and a belief in her potential. Despite these obstacles, we stayed committed to the vision, driven by Janet’s determination and the hope that her story could inspire others.

We’ve been impressed with Janet Lee Gallery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Janet Lee Gallery is more than just an art space—it’s a place dedicated to honoring the legacy of the late Janet Lee while empowering families of neuro-diverse artists. Established in 2020 as Janet’s dream space to showcase her vibrant artworks and #artbeyondthecanvas creations, the gallery has since evolved into a nurturing community after her passing in 2023. Today, we are focused on mentoring the parents/siblings of neuro-diverse artists, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to guide their loved ones on their creative and artpreneur journey.

What sets us apart is our unique, family-centered approach. Unlike other art-focused organizations, our work emphasizes empowering families to be the driving force behind their artistically gifted children’s growth. By mentoring parents/siblings, we provide them with the support they need to create a thriving, nurturing environment for the artists themselves. Additionally, we operate independently, without relying on income from other artists, sustaining the gallery through sales of Janet’s artwork and her #artbeyondthecanvas creations. This independence allows us to focus on giving back to the neuro-diverse community and supporting families free of charge.

The gallery specializes in showcasing Janet’s colorful and inspiring creations, including her paintings and her #artbeyondthecanvas product line, which transforms her artwork into everyday items such as fashion, accessories, and home décor. These creations reflect Janet’s unique ability to use colors to inspire joy and resilience, making her work both meaningful and relatable. Beyond the art, the gallery is known for its commitment to nurturing creativity, supporting families, and celebrating the capabilities of neuro-diverse individuals.

What we are most proud of is the way Janet Lee Gallery has become a symbol of possibility and hope. Janet’s determination to overcome obstacles and pursue her dreams continues to inspire everyone who steps into the gallery. Through her legacy, we aim to demonstrate that challenges don’t define potential and that creativity has the power to transform lives.

We want readers to know that Janet Lee Gallery is not just a space for art—it’s a space for empowerment, growth, and connection. Whether you’re inspired by Janet’s story, interested in her artwork or #artbeyondthecanvas creations, or curious about our mentorship program for families of neuro-diverse artists, we welcome you to join us in celebrating the power of resilience, creativity, and community.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?

Over the next 5-10 years, I see the art industry, particularly the space for neuro-diverse and inclusive art, becoming more recognized and valued. There is a growing appreciation for diverse perspectives and unique stories in art, and I believe this trend will continue to expand. Neuro-diverse artists, who bring fresh and authentic narratives to the art world, are slowly gaining visibility, and platforms that champion their work are likely to become more prominent.

Technology will also play a significant role in reshaping the industry. With the rise of digital art, NFTs, and virtual galleries, artists have more opportunities to showcase their work globally without traditional barriers like physical space or geographical limitations. This shift could create a more inclusive platform for neuro-diverse artists to reach wider audiences and generate income from their creativity.

Additionally, I foresee a stronger emphasis on the integration of art and functional design, similar to what we do with our #artbeyondthecanvas creations. Transforming artwork into wearable items, home décor, or everyday products will likely become more prevalent, allowing people to connect with art in their daily lives while providing artists with alternative revenue streams.

In terms of societal changes, I anticipate more organizations and platforms will emerge to support families of neuro-diverse artists, recognizing the critical role families play in nurturing these talents. This could create a more collaborative environment where art is not only a form of expression but also a tool for empowerment and inclusion.

Overall, I see the art industry becoming more inclusive, innovative, and interconnected, offering neuro-diverse artists and their families more opportunities to thrive. Janet Lee Gallery will continue to be part of this evolution, empowering families and celebrating the creative potential of neuro-diverse individuals.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.artistjanetlee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistjanetlee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistjanetlee
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycemoi