The "token out-of-stater" in the Davistown Museum 2005 summer show, Jaye Schlesinger received an M.F.A. in Painting from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1976, as well as an M.F.A. in Medical Illustration from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1988. She has exhibited drawings and paintings in national and local exhibitions including: Art Institute of Chicago, Grand Rapids Art Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Eastern Michigan University Ford Gallery, Vincennes University, Detroit Artists Market Gallery, Mount Holyoke College, Adrian College, University of Michigan Residential College, Ella Sharp Museum, Washtenaw Community College, Hillsdale College, and Wichita Center for the Arts.

She worked as a Medical Illustrator for 15 years, illustrated 14 medical textbooks, and contributed illustrations to more than 50 chapters and journal articles. She has won awards at the Pastel Society of America, the Pastel Journal, the Washington Society of Portrait Artists, the Michigan Drawing Biennial, and others. She held the position of Roman J. Witt Visiting Assistant Professor of Art at the University of Michigan School of Art and Design from 2001-2003, and prior to that was an Adjunct Lecturer. Her most recent solo exhibition was at the Sage Center for the Arts at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. Titled "Realism-From the Scientific to the Subjective," the exhibit included portraits, pencil and pastel drawings, and medical illustrations.