Adjusting Our Focus

Loïs Mailou Jones was a prolific artist and educator whose career spanned seven decades. Born in Boston, she was encouraged by her parents to pursue her passion for art. She earned a scholarship to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and graduated with honors in 1927 with a degree in Design. She continued her studies at Columbia University and Howard University. 

Jones dedicated 47 years to teaching as a professor of fine arts at Howard University. She mentored generations of artists including Elizabeth Catlett (on display here), Sylvia Snowden (on display here), and David Driskell (CU almuna, MFA 1962). Inspired by their salon experiences in Paris, Jones and lifelong friend, Céline Tabary, created the Little Paris Group–a collective of artists who regularly met at Jones’ home here in the Brookland neighborhood to create, exchange feedback, and discuss developments in art.  

“Mine is a quiet exploration—a quest for new meanings in color, texture, and design. Even though I sometimes portray scenes of poor and struggling people, it is a great joy to paint.”

Throughout her life, Jones’ style evolved across mediums and experiences. Her travels shaped her work, drawing inspiration from her time in Paris and visits to Haiti, and incorporating African subjects and themes in her artwork. Her legacy continues to live on in both the art world and the generations of students she inspired.

• Walk by Loïs Mailou Jones’ home as a part of the African-American Heritage Trail at 1220 Quincy Street NE, where she hosted the Little Paris Group.
• Visit The Smithsonian American Art Museum at G Street Northwest &, 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 to see her famous painting Les Fétiches (1938).
• Visit The Phillips Collection at 1600 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20009 where Coin De La Rue Medard, Paris (1974) is on display
• Visit The National Museum of Women in the Arts to see Arreau, Hautes-Pyrénées (1949).