Today we’d like to introduce you to Althea Jones.
Hi Althea, 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 have always been a creative, but like many social and family pressure made me seek a real job. After years working in the government and doing business consulting, I finally reconnected with my passion for art.
I love the people of Northeast Ohio and the Midwest as a whole. I am a Midwest girl through and through. I always say, “I will always live in the Midwest because I need to talk to strangers at the grocery store.”
My art itself focuses on my love of people and desire to understand self and community. I use art as a tool for self-knowledge and to help myself and others build community.
I grew up in Cleveland, but moving to Akron has been great. A small city vibe with a real city infrastructure. I am able to be a part of a growing art scene while hiking, biking and taking in the city. (well I can’t ride a bike but it rhymes lol)
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My artistic journey has definitely not been smooth but I’d rather be on a bumpy road leading me to the right place than a smooth road in the opposite direction.
Part of me moving to Akron was to achieve a lifetime goal and get my Art degree. As a nontraditional art student it is can be difficult to balance the demands of adulthood with school. It is also very interesting managing an actual art career while still being in school. Luckily the faculty and staff at Myers art school are ever motivating and accommodating. Because all of the professors at the school are also working artist they are able to offer me mentorship and point me in the right direction inside and outside the school.
Even before making the decision to follow my passion in 2017, breaking out of the rat race was very difficult emotionally more than physically. Convincing myself that I was capable and that no one else’s opinion mattered was very difficult and is still something I deal with to this day as a mildly successful artist.
My day to day is great, I love creating, speaking and leading workshops. I am always on the look out for great galleries and retail location to partner with and encourage people to purchase art for their home from weird artist like me instead of big box stores.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What sets me apart is my use of art to build community and help change perspectives in the process.
I use art as a method to start conversations and create moments. I have given speeches and workshops at various universities and organizations as well as working with families, children and elders at libraries, parks and on the street.
My goal is always the same; laughter.
I use art as a way to bring people together have hard conversations and change things and I always want people to walk away feeling uplifted, understood, valued and joyful.
How do you define success?
Community.
As an introvert, I’ve always had a hard time making friend and understanding social dynamics. I seek to build the community that I want to be a part of. Where people can be themselves and be supported and valued.
I believe that we must have self knowledge and understanding in order to know where we fit inside our communities.
I use my art to express myself and understand myself and then to help others do the same. When you get enough people doing the same thing at the same time someone is bound to make a friend.
I really believe that though meaningful connections we can have all of our needs met; food, shelter, companionship.
Maybe its the result of growing up in the 90’s with shows like Living Single and Friends, but I believe I should be able to regularly have breakfast with my friends before we head off to do great things that make us happy while living comfortably and having theme songs. Too much to ask?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://altheajonesart.com
