Debra Johnson-Jones

Hailing from the close-knit town of Ottawa, Illinois, she began her artistic and academic journey at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. There, she nurtured both her creative mind and her passion for teaching, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in General Studio alongside a Bachelor of Science in Education. Her studies culminated in a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking and Drawing, completed at SIUC in 1979 — a milestone that laid the foundation for a lifelong exploration of art, expression, and connection.

Rooted in the warmth and layered dynamics of a large family, Johnson-Jones draws profound inspiration from the strength, resilience, and quiet power of the village who helped shape her. Her multidisciplinary practice is recognized for its expressive use of diverse materials, each piece a textured and emotive reflection of a lived experience. 

Through her work, she honors memory, connection, and the enduring influence of community. Legacy lives in her art.