James D. Havens

James D. Havens (1900-1960) suffered from juvenile diabetes which forced him to spend much of his youth in bed. He began drawing to pass the time. In 1922, he became the first American to undergo insulin treatment. Eventually the treatment was effective, and Havens went on to study at the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. He taught himself printmaking, and by the 1930's he was accomplished enough to build a studio for himself in Fairport, New York. Havens was good friends with Rochester artist Alling Clements, and the two men often painted together. Havens was a member of numerous art societies, including the Rochester Art Club, the Woodcut Society, and in 1951 he was elected an Associate of the National Academy. His work is part of the permanent collections of many museums and galleries including the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester and the Brooklyn Museum.