Edmund J. Janas II
Polymath and Animal Rescuer
Edmund J. Janas II is a multifaceted creative professional and advocate based in Springfield, Massachusetts. With a career spanning acting, writing, visual arts, multimedia production, and philanthropy, Janas leverages his diverse talents to explore themes of social justice, identity, environmental stewardship, and compassion. His interests encompass art and design, acting, writing, technology, filmmaking, and several other creative disciplines.
Education and Early Career
Janas’s educational journey reflects his dedication to both the arts and communications. He is a graduate of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, where he honed his skills in visual arts and design. He further enriched his creative perspective through studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Rome, Italy. Additionally, Janas pursued multimedia and mass communications at Springfield Technical Community College and Emerson College, broadening his expertise in storytelling across mediums.
Early in his career, Janas worked as a gallery attendant for Harvard University’s Fogg and Sackler Museums and as a periodicals assistant at the Widener Library at Harvard. At the age of 22, he was bought out by MIT from his agency, where he worked for the Graduate Alumni Program and later the Alumni Association, specializing in publishing and database design. His contributions in this role showcased his ability to integrate creativity and technology in service of academic and alumni communities.
Creative and Professional Accomplishments
Janas has cultivated a rich creative portfolio as an actor, writer, and visual artist. As an actor, he appeared in notable productions, including recurring background work in the acclaimed television series Brotherhood (2006), where he earned his entrance into SAG-AFTRA. He also had uncredited roles in feature films such as The Maiden Heist (2009) and R.I.P.D. Although some of his scenes were cut, Janas humorously reflects, “But the checks cleared, and I’m still in the union,” highlighting his lighthearted approach to his career.
His membership in SAG-AFTRA reflects his professional commitment to the entertainment industry. Although he stepped away from acting to become a caregiver for his father, he later launched Brego Arts & New Media, a pioneering Web3 multimedia marketing network designed to be truly one-of-a-kind. https://www.brego.com
As a writer, Janas has authored a feature-length screenplay titled The Keepers, an allegorical exploration of corporate vampirism. He enjoys crafting short stories, comedy, and poetry that deconstruct societal norms, racism, and gender stereotypes. His works are self-published and featured in various media outlets.
Janas’s visual artistry includes mixed-media pieces like Lucid Expulsion and extends to stage design and public relations for various artists and causes. During his time at MIT, he demonstrated his ability to merge creativity and advocacy by curating a 20-artist art show and concert to support relief efforts in Haiti and Rwanda.
Life of Advocacy and Caregiving
In 2004, Janas made the selfless decision to leave his tech career to become a long-term caregiver for his father, Edmund J. “Pop” Janas Sr., a decorated World War II veteran. Over the next 13 years, he provided unwavering care for his father until his passing in 2017. This chapter of his life exemplifies Janas’s commitment to family and his deep sense of responsibility to those in need.
Animal Rescue and Humanitarian Efforts
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Janas discovered peace and a higher calling in rescuing animals, particularly stray and feral cats. His efforts include rescuing, rehabilitating, and facilitating adoption for many animals, while emphasizing the importance of spaying and neutering to address overpopulation. Janas’s animal rescue work reflects a deep commitment to creating a humane and sustainable impact in his community.
Current Initiatives and Legacy
Janas is the head of Brego Arts & Media Network, where he envisions a multimedia platform powered by artificial intelligence, aimed at fostering intelligent social media consumption and promoting shared values. He is also deeply involved in the investigation of the 1957 cold case murder of his aunt, Rosetta Westbrook Edwards, seeking justice and closure for his family. Learn more about his investigation, as well as the documentary and companion book he is producing, at DiscoveringPie.com.
Personal Life
Edmund J. Janas II’s life and work are a testament to his belief in the power of storytelling, art, and compassion to inspire change. Whether through his creative projects, advocacy, or professional endeavors, he remains committed to making a meaningful impact on the world.
