Our Story

JO’S Story


50 years ago, as an Ohio, teenager, Jo discovered her passion to create.  She was able to satisfy this passion through painting and began selling original, oil painted, dog portraits to local patrons. Her work progressed to landscapes, seascapes and still life paintings completed in various mediums.

Living in New Jersey with her husband, from the 70’s thru the 90’s, as a Mom and an Artist, she stayed busy and creative in her studio painting and teaching. She taught techniques of drawing, oil painting and all water media to gifted adults and children. During this time, she participated in many juried art shows and galleries shows in the Northeast area and was a signature member of the Northeast Watercolor Society.

Moving to Charlotte, NC in 1995, began another business venture of faux finishing rooms and ceilings in client’s homes. Included with the finishes was also painting unique murals for many of their rooms in their homes.

Today, you can find Jo creating unique works of art in her studio. She loves teaching to creatives and loves seeing the “light bulb” come on in her student’s eyes as they create their art works.

Jo sells her original, hand painted, watercolor, acrylic paintings, and mixed media paintings depicting unique designs, and bright colors on her website, www.jawsignsdesigns.com, and at art shows and festivals. Jo loves painting custom work in any medium for her clients.  As of January 2024 Decorator Signs are NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Jo loves to  brainstorm with the customers to create a painting the most “special” piece they own. Jo also loves to paint on location, especially beach and mountain scenes. Jo is an ambassador for Christ thru her art.

LIST OF PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SQUIBB GALLERIES, NEW YORK CITY; Purchased a Permanent Collection mixed media painting from a Gallery Show.

WINSOR NEWTON WATERCOLOR PAINTING AWARD; Received award from SALMAGUNDI CLUB in a Juried Exhibition in New York City.

ATRIUM GALLERY ART CERTIFICATE: Received award from Atrium Gallery, Morris County, NJ.

COVER  ART WORK: Displayed original artwork on the cover of Warren County Magazine and Warren County Companion Magazine for 3 years.

CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR; Illustrator for “CHRIS MOUSE and the Christmas House”.

CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR; Illustrator for “WHAT GOOD IS…”.

NUMEROUS COMMISSIONED WORKS OF ART; For Private Collectors and Corporations.

JAW FAUX FINISHES AND MURALS; Owner & Artist – Specializing in Creative, Faux Finishes and Wall Murals for homes and corporations.

THE ART ROOM; Owner & Teacher – Fine Arts Painting and teaching techniques to gifted adults & children.

2018 ART WALK Merit Award

2022 – 2nd place Visual Arts Acrylics Award for Mecklenburg Senior Silverarts Competition.

2021, 2022, 22023 – Festival in the Park Outdoor Show.