Janet Filer "Jan" Silberstein

Silberstein, Janet Filer "Jan"
Oct. 19, 1921 - Feb. 2, 2014
Janet Filer Silberstein ("Jan") 92, died on February 2, 2014, in Sarasota, Florida, following a brief illness.
Adored mother of Judy Rosemarin, Jo Ellen Silberstein and Mark Filer Silberstein and widow of Leon M. Silberstein, treasured grandmother ("Nona") of Donna Stevens, Julie Rosemarin Moskowitz and David B. Weinstein, the proud, cherished great-grandmother of Emily and Jonathan Stevens, Ella and Talia Moskowitz and Benjamin and Harrison Weinstein and beloved aunt of six nieces and nephews.
Jan was a remarkable, elegant woman of many talents. She and Leon first fell in love with Sarasota in 1950 when Leon and his brother Richard Silbert built the "Sandcastle" motel (now Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel) on Lido Key. Her love for Sarasota, its beauty and her connection to the arts community and friends grew with each passing year.
Jan attended Adelphi University and later began studies in sculpture and painting in New York City, attending Pratt Institute and The Art Students League of New York. She also studied painting with Syd Solomon and Larry Rivers, and her paintings were exhibited in New York and Sarasota galleries, most recently in the exhibition, "Artists That Made Sarasota Famous" at Art Center Sarasota. Jan also studied photography with Ansel Adams, and she became the first official photographer of the Sarasota Ballet. Her unique photography was recognized with one person exhibitions in many venues, including the Daytona Museum of Art, Daytona Beach, where her work is part of the Museum's permanent collection, and the Gallery at the State College of Florida, in Bradenton, Florida. Jan was one of only 80 artists included in the Sarasota Biennial of Contemporary Art at the John and Mable Ringling Museum in 2000.
Jan's tireless volunteer efforts benefitted organizations including the Women's Resource Center, the Ringling Museum, the Circus Museum at the Ringling Museum, Sarasota Ballet and Circus Sarasota (where she also served on the Board of Directors). She was an ardent supporter of these organizations as well as Florida Studio Theater, the Sarasota Opera and the now Sarasota Orchestra. She sponsored young dancers in "Sarasota Ballet Next Generation," some of whom now dance in national companies.
Jan started the now voluminous archives at the Sarasota Ballet, and, separately, the archives at the Ringling Museum, under the guidance of Bill Wilson. As a volunteer, she also supported the endeavors of the Ringling's curators of contemporary art, including Elayne Varian, Michael Auping, Mark Ormond and Joseph Jacobs.
Jan was a well-grounded, confident, yet modest person with great vision. Her enthusiasm and energy, intelligence, curiosity, wit, openheartedness, and humility attracted people from all walks of life and put them at ease. She was a beautiful, graceful woman, inside and out, living every moment to its fullest. For Jan, every single sunset was fresh and new. A world traveler, Jan loved her home and having her family with her most of all. We love you dearly and you are forever in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice.
Observances will be private.