Both Jaap Den Otter and Jan Davis exemplified the power of art to build and sustain community. Their legacies of creativity, passion, and connection will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring their contributions remain a cherished part of Ipswich’s cultural heritage.
The Ipswich arts community is feeling the loss of two of its much-loved members, Jaap Den Otter and Jan Davis, whose contributions have left a profound mark on the city’s cultural landscape.
Jaap Den Otter passed away on December 28 at the age of 74.
Known for his youthful spirit and unwavering dedication to the arts, Jaap was a familiar and beloved figure at Ipswich’s art events and exhibitions. His funeral, held last month, was attended by hundreds, with an overflow crowd paying their respects.
“Jaap Den Otter was a big character in the Ipswich art scene,” said local arts identity Kirsty O’Brien.
“He supported his wife Mieke and daughter Kate in their careers as artists and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help hang art and set up exhibitions. He will be sadly missed by so many people, a huge part of Ipswich community life.”
Local author Toni Risson also shared fond memories of Jaap.
“Jaap was a dag,” she said.
“He never got my jokes and yet had his own unique sense of humour. He found his way into so many of our hearts.”
State Member for Ipswich West, Jennifer Howard, expressed the deep impact of both of their passing.
“It’s no secret that Ipswich has a productive and vibrant arts community. Our city benefits enormously from the talent and generosity of our local artists,” she said.
“In October last year, we lost award winning ceramic and mosaic artist, Jan Davis. Jan was a brilliant and beloved figure whose work has touched the hearts of so many. Her contribution to our cultural landscape is immeasurable, inspiring generations of artists and enriching our community in ways that words can’t always do.
“And just a few weeks ago the arts community lost Jaap Den Otter.
“While Jaap himself didn’t produce art in its traditional form, he was a much-loved member of the local arts community, mainly through his beloved wife and local artist, Mieke Den Otter.
“My thoughts are with their respective families, friends, and all those who worked with them. They will forever remain a cherished part of our collective heritage.”
The community also continues to grieve the loss of acclaimed ceramic and mosaic artist Jan Davis, who passed away in October last year after a courageous battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
Jan was a celebrated figure in Ipswich’s arts scene, known for her vibrant works and commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration.
Jan, who lived in Ipswich since 1984, founded the Tuesday T’Arts group, a gathering space for artists to connect and collaborate.
Her daughter, Alexandra, recalled how her mother encouraged creativity in both her family and the local community, often organising art projects and working with school students.
Growing up surrounded by her mother’s artistic influence, Alexandra fondly remembered how her mother encouraged creativity in the family and the local community, organising art projects for their neighbours and even visiting schools to work with students.
Local arts advocate and close friend Glen Smith described Ms Davis as an extraordinary person whose passing marked a significant loss for the Ipswich arts community.
"She was an amazing person, and her art was a reflection of her vibrant personality," Ms Smith said.
"Her legacy will continue to inspire."
Jan’s final artistic work, a white clay bust, is being restored by her long-time friend Mardi Kearney, who described Jan as a “beautiful, warm person” with an unparalleled dedication to the arts.
“Jan has been a good friend of mine since we met in the Ipswich art society in the 1980s,” Ms Kearney said.
“She has been involved in the arts of all kinds over the following period.
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