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 began her career as an actress and performance artist at The New York Shakespeare Festival, Ohio Theatre, Soho Rep, Aaron Davis Hall, Dixon Place, Company One, and Penumbra Theatre. She performed the lead role in Bridgett Davis’ award-winning independent feature film Naked Acts. Jones’ writing for stage includes Portrait of The Artist as A Soul Man Dead (Penumbra Theater, St. Paul), Under Frank Observation (New York Theater Workshop), and Magic Kingdom (New Georges/Hourglass Theater Company), and Black Bitches…… Read More
Tamia Iman Kennedy is an up-and-coming filmmaker, focusing on writing, producing and acting. Childhood visits at Blockbuster, Redbox, and local theater’s, is where Kennedy recalls finding her joy in filmmaking. It was also during those times, where she craved to see more stories that resonated with her and the life that she was living. Therefore, her desire to help control the narrative of black people in film and television came as no surprise. After graduating from Florida State University, Kennedy…… 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