Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Jones.
Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was encouraged in Bethel Acres, Oklahoma as a teenager by an amazing art teacher named Leonora Winsett. My confidence and passion grew stronger with a fine art scholarship to a small university in Chickasha, Oklahoma. There, I discovered new passions in Photography and Media Arts. As a Native American college student, I began an Intern for Three Feathers and Associates. This lead to a 2-year apprenticeship from which I then became the Production Assistant. After marrying into the Navy, I attended a few more colleges with the travel. One was the University of Hawaii, studying fine arts and photography. I was inspired to teach workshops at the Museum of Art in Waikiki from a UH Professor named Ron Kowalke. That inspiration sparked todays passion to help others through art. Next, I was off to San Diego, CA, where I attended the Art Institute of California and graduated with a BS in Media Arts and Animation in 2006. As a result, I was blessed to work in the Media Arts Industry in CA for three years. Once I had children, being in the production studio for long hours was not feasible.
With art engrained in my DNA, I dove back into painting anything I could put a brush on. I painted utility boxes in Imperial Beach, California, for a city beautification project through the Imperial Beach Art Guild. In 2009 moved to Leander, Texas. I became an Art Instructor for Michaels Arts and Crafts store and started teaching afterschool art programs and summer camps for Community Montessori School. This led to my current adventures of teaching Kindergarten – 7th grade Art Specials at Divine Savior Academy. As well as teaching virtually, hosting programs at the Leander Activity Center and painting murals every chance I get! From 2014 – 2020 I was a Commissioner on the Leander Public Art Commission (LPAC), collaborating to bring public art to our city and raising awareness of the importance of art in our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It took along to push through and overcome the fear that many tried to instill in my young heart…”You’re going to be a starving artist!”; “Art is just a hobby, not a real career!”. Being a Sole Proprietor has its challenges. I have learned many lessons over the years. I am confident in my talent and abilities as an artist now. Pricing my works and programs without having a brick and mortar also posed challenges. It has taken several years to figure out the process that works best for my mobile art business. As a professional artist, I deal with a wide variety of projects and collaboration requests. With each request comes a set of obstacles and challenges to solve. Creative problem solving as a Sole Proprietor can be a challenging without support. I have overcome many of these challenges through failures, successes, hard work, consistency and building relationships within the community. When the Pandemic hit in 2020, I faced the devastating challenge of not being able to teach in person. Teaching virtually was Gods saving grace for me during that time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an Artists truly passionate about helping others through art. I specialize in commissioned works and painted murals. Commissioned works include painting from photographs, mixed medium paintings, concept art and graphic designs.
Here are some works I’ve designed and painted in Leander:
- “Leander Past and Present”, Dumpster. In partnership with LPAC and Al Clawson Disposal Inc.- The 1st object painted for the public in Old Town Leander
- “Peace Love and Parks” 1st utility box painted in Leander at Robyn Bledsoe Park in partnership with LPAC
- Life-size fiberglass Recycling Hippo for Al Clawson Disposal Inc.- Hutto, Tx.
- “Iconic Venues” 1st art bench sculpture in Leander at Benbrook Ranch Park in partnership with LPAC
- Welcome to Leander” – 1st public mural in Leander – Leander Parks and Recreation (LPRD) building community collaboration project in partnership with LPAC and LPRD.
- Commissioned to paint several Train Sculptures in the Trail of Trains throughout Leander in partnership with Leander Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.
*HEB Plus ‘Texas Strong, Leander Proud’
*Chamber of Commerce ‘Starry Nights Over Texas’
*Ace Cashway ‘Let’s Get to Work, Leander’
*St. David’s Emergency Center ‘Love to Heal’
*Divine Lake Park ‘Stay Curious’
*Residential ‘525’
*Leander Police Department ‘Service First Leander’
Since April of 2020, I have been teaching virtual classes and private lessons online. In-person classes/ events have started gaining popularity again, and I am grateful to continue sharing my passion for helping others through art virtually and in person.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a child, if I didn’t have a softball in my hand, I had a paint brush or pencil. I was a quiet, shy, athlete with a passion for creating and problem solving. I always knew I was going to be a “REAL ARTIST” one day. My dad was a career paint and auto body man and a master craftsman. I followed him everywhere, watching, making, and being inspired by his creativity. Creating art as a child was an escape from traumatic experiences I had to endure. Being positively influenced and encouraged by my teachers and coaches contributed to my success as an artist and educator today! About growing up, I am still doing that…
Pricing:
- Custom Murals – “Contact for Pricing” per sq. ft.
- Workshops/ Parties – “Contact for Pricing” per hour
- Lessons – Virtual “Contact for Pricing” per hour
- Lessons – In-person “Contact for Pricing” per hour
- Graphic Design – “Contact for Pricing” Per hour
Contact Info:
- Email: jennifer@jonesofart.com
- Website: www.JonesOfArt.com
- Instagram: jones_of_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leanderartist
