DLA Q&A: Janna Harsch

Janna Harsch has been an integral member of the Downtown Lincoln Association for many years. Her artistic vision shines through in all aspects of her life.

BY MARCUS FERTIG

With her background in art, she brings a unique perspective to her work. What began as a hands-on, multi-faceted role evolved into a focus on floral design, where Janna’s creativity glows.

Q: How long have you been with the DLA?

A: I have been associated with the DLA in one way or another since 1999 when I worked for a human services agency and was looking for jobs for people with developmental disabilities.

Janna in Santorini, Greece

We started with crews of people walking up and down the streets to help get ahead on trash cleanup. We said it doesn't matter how pretty the beds are, how nice the flowers look, or how many trees there are; if there's trash on the sidewalk, that's what you notice. In 2013, I had been walking the crews enough that I knew the staff of the DLA pretty well, and the Haymarket expansion offered me a full-time position, and I decided I’d much rather work for somebody local.

Q: What is your role on the Green Team?

A: Well, Flower Lady?-- Maybe I’m the flower lady. Well, it sounds funny, but it’s ended up being that way. Because we’ve expanded and had a bigger crew, we can differentiate more. When I started, I did everything: supervise crews, plant trees, and whatever was needed; we just did it. Over time, we’ve organized things into teams, and I’ve ended up with the flowers. I have a background in art, so I enjoy putting together the designs for the beds and then watering them all summer. We just took the mums out last week, and we’ll have the winter greenery coming in this week.

Q: What are some hobbies or interests outside of work that reflect who you are?

A: More than a hobby, I am a professional artist. I sell my work at the local gallery Clement Noyes.

Artwork on copper done by Janna

In fact, my show is coming up in December here soon. I’m working hard on a new series for that. It’s up all month and will be ready by the first Friday. Whether it’s literary or visual art or musical art or anything else, it’s there not just for the expression of the artist, but hopefully, it touches someone who sees it, hears it, or perceives it in any way. It might not be considered a “stem curricula,” but it is essential to being human.

I will always enjoy reading. It's been nice to get to know the local business owners of Novel Idea and Francie and Finch. Ann Patchett, who wrote Bel Canto, is extraordinary. Jane Smiley is very good. I got the travel bug early, like in college. The first place I traveled was a trip through 4-H. I went to England and Scotland and got to stay with young farmers and their families. I got to see tours of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Horses are a big passion of mine; they are the subject of my artwork. I like to ride horseback when I’m traveling, if possible. My husband and I would go to Mexico quite often. I have been to Russia, Italy, and most recently Greece. I took a trip to Spain, where I did a trail ride for 5 days, which was amazing.

Q: What would your Downtown Lincoln dream project be if you had unlimited funds?

A: I talked to a friend about how the Lincoln Arts Council has struggled.

A flowerbed designed by Janna

I think there’s got to be some way to help the arts council. I think the local galleries have a very good system going and I would just love to plug in there. Help those galleries out and get them whatever they need to grow the arts in Lincoln.

Q: What is the best part of working for an amazing crew and the Downtown Lincoln Association?

A: Well, I’ve survived it this long! Just kidding. I really appreciate the responsiveness of the local management; it makes a big difference for me. It has been amazing to see how the DLA has grown and changed over the years and to be a part of that. Working outside is the best of both worlds for me. When it’s glorious, you get to gloat, and when it's nasty, you get to whine.