Join Creative Pinellas Artist Laureate Jake-ann Jones as she talks one-on-one with leading artists, thinkers, critics, and creators about arts and artists in the Black and Brown community and in society as a whole. A playwright, journalist, visual artist, and social justice activist, Jake and her guests will delve deeply into the power of art to uncover truths and drive change. The series will explore what it takes to be an artist, the role of the artist in building community, the importance of the artist in recovering and creating new stories, and why artists are important to the future of our world.
Jake-ann Jones also works under the name J.A. Jones and J.A. Morton (she, her, hers), is the 2022 Creative Pinellas Artist Laureate, and author of the Black Classic Press release SometimesFarmgirls Become Revolutionaries: Notes on Black Power, Politics, Depression, and the FBI. She works extensively with community organizations through the SOW Fund at Pinellas Community Foundation, is part of the team at PinellasDiasporaArtsProject, writes for The Weekly Challenger Newspaper in St. Petersburg, FL, and lives between Clearwater, FL, and Harlem,…… Read More
Tamia Iman Kennedy is a multi-hyphenate filmmaker, focusing on acting, writing, producing, curating, and educating. Through her Edutainment Company, Black On The Scene, Kennedy is able to follow her passion, ensuring Black representation in the film, television, and digital realm. The grant will allow Kennedy to launch ‘The Film Club’ for audiences to analyze Black cinema, learn film techniques and influences, and engage in important conversations. By partnering with the Cultured Books Literacy Foundation, Kennedy will target high school students…… Read More
Cora Marshall, born in Washington, DC, is an artist and arts educator. She received her B.F.A. from Howard University, Master of Science in Education from Bank Street College of Education with Parsons School of Design, and her doctorate in art from New York University. Dr. Marshall, Professor of Art Emeritus, served as chairperson of the Department of Art at Central Connecticut State University from 2006-2012. Marshall has exhibited both internationally and nationally including National Conference of Artists: Kumasi, Ghana; US…… Read More
Frederick Woods (Rootman) is a Florida native who grew up in the small North Florida town of Hampton. From an early age he loved to draw and taught himself by studying the technique of the Old Masters’ paintings. Over time, his own unique approach to art emerged—one that combines many different styles with a modern twist. He considers himself a master storyteller on canvas. Using vibrant colors and bold subjects, Rootman’s art explores the journey of self-discovery, the beauty of…… Read More