Greenville, South Carolina, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Jeanet S. Dreskin, a notable artist and medical illustrator, has died at age 103. Her career, which started in the early 1940s, included significant contributions to medical art and fine arts, with her works displayed in various prominent institutions.
Greenville, South Carolina – Renowned artist and medical illustrator Jeanet S. Dreskin has passed away at the age of 103, on September 19, 2025, surrounded by her family. Her remarkable career spanned decades, making significant contributions both in the field of medical art and fine arts.
Jeanet Dreskin was born on September 29, 1921, in New Orleans, Louisiana. After completing her education, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Sofie Newcomb College, Tulane University in 1942. Following her graduation, she earned a graduate certificate in medical art from Johns Hopkins University in 1943, excelling in her field from the very beginning.
Her career commenced at the American Museum of Natural History, where she worked as a staff artist and contributed over 250 anatomical drawings to the large format book titled “The Anatomy of the Gorilla”, published in 1950. From 1950 to 1955, she dedicated her skills to the University of Chicago School of Medicine, where her scientific illustrations supported the Department of Anatomy’s teaching efforts.
Jeanet’s work can be found in numerous medical textbooks, including “Surgical Anatomy” by Healey and Hodge, and her illustrations are exhibited at institutions such as the Anatomy Lab of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Greenville and at the University of Colorado, Denver School of Medicine.
In 1950, Dreskin moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where she shifted her focus to her family and her own creative art. She left an indelible mark as a prolific artist, with her fine art works held in major museums, including the Greenville County Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Over the years, she had solo exhibits at various museums and galleries throughout the country.
Jeanet was also a trailblazer in academic achievement, being the first student to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree at Clemson University. Her contributions to education included playing a key role in founding the Museum School of Art at the Greenville County Museum of Art and teaching at both the Museum School and the South Carolina Governor’s School of the Arts and Humanities.
In recognition of her lifelong dedication to artmaking and arts education, Jeanet received the South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2004. She was married to Dr. E. Arthur (Art) Dreskin for 62 years until his passing in 2006. Jeanet is survived by her four children: Richard Dreskin, Stephen Dreskin, Jan Dreskin-Haig, and Rena Dreskin, as well as ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Jackie Marx.
A memorial service honoring Jeanet Dreskin’s life and contributions is scheduled for September 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Temple of Israel in Greenville, SC, with a graveside service to follow at Beth Israel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Community Foundation of Greenville, The Temple of Israel Endowment, or The Greenville County Museum of Art.
FAQ
What was Jeanet S. Dreskin’s profession?
Jeanet S. Dreskin was a renowned artist and medical illustrator.
When was Jeanet S. Dreskin born?
Jeanet S. Dreskin was born on September 29, 1921.
Where did Jeanet S. Dreskin graduate from?
She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Sofie Newcomb College, Tulane University in 1942.
What were some of Jeanet’s contributions to medical illustration?
She contributed over 250 anatomical drawings to the book titled “The Anatomy of the Gorilla” and her illustrations supported the teaching efforts at the University of Chicago School of Medicine.
What awards did Jeanet S. Dreskin receive during her career?
In 2004, she was awarded the South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts for her lifetime dedication to artmaking and arts education.
When did Jeanet S. Dreskin pass away?
She passed away on September 19, 2025.
What is scheduled to take place in memory of Jeanet S. Dreskin?
A memorial service is scheduled for September 24, 2025, at Temple of Israel, with a graveside service to follow at Beth Israel Cemetery.
Key Features of Jeanet S. Dreskin’s Life and Career
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | September 29, 1921 |
| Notable Artworks | Over 250 anatomical drawings; featured in numerous medical textbooks |
| Education | BFA from Sofie Newcomb College; graduate certificate in medical art from Johns Hopkins University |
| Accolades | South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2004 |
| Family | Survived by four children, ten grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Jeanet Dreskin Obituary
- Wikipedia: Jeanet S. Dreskin
- Greenville Online: Jeanet S. Dreskin Obituary
- Google Search: Jeanet Dreskin
- Greenville Journal: Jeanet Dreskin’s 100th Birthday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Illustration
- Legacy: E. Dreskin Obituary
- Google News: Jeanet Dreskin
- Greenville Journal: Reflections from the Dark Corner
- Google Scholar: Jeanet Dreskin
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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