Janet Read was born in Toronto.  She holds an MA in the philosophy of art focusing on Merleau-Ponty and Ricoeur and phenomenology.  Her novel Wilberforce Street is set in the historical black settlement in Oro Township in Simcoe County Ontario in the 1840's, published by ITP Nelson.  It was accompanied by a teacher's guide. Her first book of poetry, Blue Mind's Flower was shortlisted for the Gerald Lampert Award. Janet is a practicing visual artist, and has exhibited at the Whitby Station and Robert McLaughlin public galleries.  She is represented in various galleries in Ontario and in Quebec as well as the AGO art rental. Recent and upcoming art exhibitions include, Quest Gallery, Midland, Holy Blossom Temple, and Agnes Jamieson Gallery in Minden. Three journeys to the high arctic inform her ongoing body of visual work. OAC Exhibition assistance grants have supported Janet's work in recent public spaces and galleries.