Artist Bio

Jahna Rae's artistic journey began with formal training in Fine Art and Illustration at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.

Her active participation in a wide range of group exhibitions has generated widespread critical acclaim, resonating with a diverse audience, and paving the way for her to take center-stage in several solo exhibitions exploring her distinctive artistic expression.

"My studio in Denver is a space where vibrant colors and bold patterns come together. Where the energy of my community's stories and my own experiences fuel my work as a painter, illustrator, and muralist."

Jahna's dedication to inclusivity in art is demonstrated through her numerous residencies and collaborations, most notably her partnership with Platteforum, a non-profit organization committed to celebrating and empowering artists from BIPOC backgrounds. Check out Media Features for more info!

Artist Statement

I create; to explore my spirituality and the impact of human interconnectedness on the journey towards healing and understanding.  My goal is to bring viewers together and shed light on how people understand themselves in relation to others. My evolution in portrait painting and illustration has allowed me to utilize techniques to visualize topics in connection with self and others through abstract methods.

I’m drawn to bold, bright colors, patterns and sharp contrast.  I use a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, aerosol, and ink to create work that is vibrant and textural.  The emotional quality of my pieces gives them an inherent narrative that unfolds throughout the painting process.  As I create, I weave together inspiration from poetry, music, spirituality and the stories my community has been vulnerable enough to share with me.

CV

Jahna Rae Church

Lives & Works in Denver, CO


Education

  • 2019 - Certificate UX Design - General Assembly

  • 2017 - AA Illustration - The Academy of Art University


Group Exhibits

  • 2021 - Babe Walls Emerging Artists Group Show - Denver, CO
  • 2021 - June Shine Exhibit Group Show - Denver, CO
  • 2021 - Redline Gallery Mural Project - Denver, CO
  • 2021 - Matriarch Merchantile - Denver, CO
  • 2022 - The Medusa Collective - Denver, CO
  • 2022 - The Banshee House Women’s History Month - Denver, CO
  • 2022 - Westward Gallery “Community” Exhibition - Denver, CO
  • 2022 - AFUG Virtual Exhibit
  • 2022 - Babe Walls Art Prom - Denver, CO


Solo Exhibitions

  • 2023 - Platteforum “Indigo” - Denver, CO

  • 2023 - Odell Brewing “Transitions” - Denver, CO

  • 2023 - Balefire Goods “Aura” - Arvada, CO

  • 2023 - Colorado Academy - Denver. CO


Murals

  • 2021 - Babe Walls Mural Festival - Arvada, CO
  • 2021 - Redline Gallery Mural Project - Denver, CO
  • 2021 - Colfax Canvas Mural Festival - Denver, CO
  • 2021 - Fort Collins Mural Project - Fort Collins, CO
  • 2022 - Lucina Eatery & Bar Mural - Denver, CO
  • 2022 - Sol Bol Smoothies, Aurora, CO
  • 2022 - The Nest Collective - Silverthorn, CO
  • 2022 - Babe Walls Pride Mural Festival - Adams County, CO
  • 2022 - Black Arts Festival - Denver, CO
  • 2022 - Create Cooking School - Denver, CO
  • 2023 - Private Residential Mural - Denver, CO
  • 2023 - Village Farm at Stanley Marketplace - Aurora CO
  • 2023 - Insights Colorado Assessment & Therapy - Denver. CO
  • 2023 - Streetwise Arts - Boulder, CO


Residencies

  • Non-conforming Spaces - Platteforum - November 2022 - January 2023 - Denver, CO

  • Art District on Santa Fe - ADSF - August 2023 - November 2023

  • Artist in Residence - Colorado Academy - October 2023