My name is J.N. Ward, and I live and work in the Arkansas Ozarks with my family. I enjoy the library, cooking, and good conversation over coffee.

In 2008 I graduated from the University of Arkansas after studying painting and art history. In addition to working as an artist, I’ve worked as a docent for the Arkansas Arts Center, a technical expert at Art Outfitters of Little Rock, and as an assistant to the Curator of Northwest Art at the Portland Art Museum in Portland, OR. As part of Fayetteville, Arkansas’ City Beautification Project, I volunteered my time to paint city utility boxes. I currently work as a teaching artist at the Community Creative Center in Fayetteville, AR and teach a wide range of classes and workshops.

My artwork comes from thinking about identity in different contexts, and it focuses on a specific feeling or place based on personal experience and research. More of what I’m thinking about and artists I’m looking at can be seen on my Instagram @j.n.ward.