The idea for Jones Guild began in 2020, but its roots trace back to the 1980s. The "Jones" in "Jones Guild" caught the art-collecting bug while exploring the walls of the Southside Community Art Center during meetings of the renowned OBAC Writers' Workshop.
One evening, after attending the workshop, Dr. Jones, still in high school, was captivated by a small collage that she later learned was created by Romare Bearden. This piece was an original Bearden used as a sketch for a larger work. The Executive Director was so impressed by her taste that he was willing to part
with it for the hefty sum of $500. Imagine spending all her babysitting, birthday, and holiday money on such a significant purchase. However, shortly after, Mr. Bearden passed away, and the price of the collage skyrocketed beyond her reach.
Dr. Jones learned a valuable lesson from this experience, which shaped her collection; although it still does not include an original Bearden, it does feature originals and limited editions by notable artists such as Elizabeth Catlett and John Biggers.
As a Chicagoan who grew up surrounded by local art luminaries such as Dr. Margaret Burroughs and frequent visits to the DuSable Museum and the Southside Community Art Center, the Guild is dedicated to supporting artists who reflect the images and experiences of Black folk. Additionally, it aims to educate and
inspire people about the benefits of purchasing and collecting art from artists committed to creating this kind of work.