Artist of the Month

Janet Beebe

Artist of the Month - Lakewood Photographer Article written by Patti Browder, Lakewood Resident

Janet Beebe, @theLAKE, is known to many Lakewood residents as our dedicated “sunrise” photographer. Every morning one or more of her pictures are posted on Lakewood Yes Facebook page of that morning’s sunrise. The morning colors, silhouettes, wildlife, and marina scenes Janet shares with us are unique and always a welcome graduated from KC

surprise as we sip our coffee. During the months of September and October you can enjoy Janet’s photos on display in the Argyle Gallery.

Seriously, why would anyone get up that early to take pictures of a sleepy Lakewood sunrise every morning without fail? Janet recalls getting up before dawn for thirty years, in order to beat the traffic to her job as a dental assistant on the Plaza. When she retired, the early morning habit stuck. Janet has taken photos around Lakewood for years, starting with family pictures of her two children. Both were talented swimmers, and Janet religiously recorded swim meets with she reminded herself to be out and ready for the Bass

her camera. When Taylor and Ashley left the nest, Janet took up the early morning photo shoots to fill the void.

Janet’s daily 5:30 a.m. ritual begins with an iced coffee from Starbucks. Then, it’s off to the East Lake Marina to capture photos of the morning’s sunrise, rain or shine, hot or frigid, in color or black and white. We’ve all seen a few shots taken through the car window or under the edge of a striped umbrella due to the weather. One favorite video is the West

On these morning photo shoots, Janet enjoys the company of neighbors jogging, walking their dogs, or just enjoying the early morning scenes like she is. On the dock, she surprises the geese, slips in a shot of her friend Mercury (a seasonal resident blue heron who hangs out looking for an early breakfast), and frequently captures a shot of a dedicated fisherman heading out for the catch of the day.

Janet and her husband Tim have lived in Lakewood since 1986. They were good friends in 4th grade, but didn’t date until they graduated from Raytown South and headed off to college. Janet studied Art and Science at UMKC and Medical and Dental College. She and Tim were married in 1974. They both love life on the lake and make it a point to be out on their pontoon as often as possible. Janet is also an active member of the Garden Club.

As Janet’s interview for this article concluded, Lake wind sculptures spiraling and whirling in an early mist.

Club fishing event the next morning. She’s excited to see the anglers setting out to hook the “biggest fish” of the day, and maybe she’ll “catch” some good photos to share with her neighbors @theLAKE. Thank you, Janet, for bringing us scenes of early morning Lakewood before many of us have peeked out from under our blankets.

“Sunrise” fans are invited to stop by the Argyle for a drink while you enjoy the photos by Janet Beebe. Stay for dinner and say hello to some of your neighbors.