Janet Austin studied fiber arts at Massachusetts College of Art (BFA 1978), and painting at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (MFA 1981). After weaving and selling functional items (rugs, scarves, shawls, pillows etc) for 8 years, the weaving and painting merged into tapestry, her primary medium since 1983. Her work has been exhibited in national and international venues, including tapestry, fiber art and all media exhibitions.

Janet served 8 years on the board of directors of the American Tapestry Alliance (ATA), and 15 years as Coordinator of Tapestry Weavers in New England (TWiNE). She weaves, paints, draws, lectures, writes, and teaches in East Greenwich, RI.