The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
Joleanna Bare
Joleanna DesignsColumbus Ohio 43215 United States Cell Phone: 6143974885 Website: https://www.joleanna.com/gallery
Bio
Joleanna is an internationally recognized artist with their social commentary work featured across three continents with a style best described as immersive realism. Her work carries a strong social narrative, intentionally crafted to evoke emotions that invites viewers to engage more deeply with the messages embedded within each piece. Through dramatic use of light and shadow and detailed portraiture, Joleanna creates visually compelling works that explore themes of community and connection and are designed to foster dialogue and build meaningful relationships. With the same passion she brings to her own work, Joleanna is deeply involved in the Columbus arts community. She collaborates with nonprofits and educational programs to help cultivate a stronger, more sustainable creative ecosystem. Working closely with 934 Gallery and Wild Goose Creative, she advocates for fair pay for artists while supporting mentorship and arts education initiatives. She is currently a tenant at Blockfort, where she maintains her active studio practice. Joleanna has multiple public murals installed throughout Columbus and has expanded her practice to include large-scale mural installations, interactive mural experiences, and live painting engagements across several states. Her largest mural to date, completed in 2025, spans 500 square feet
Artist Statement
My work is implanted in social narrative, created to evoke an emotional response that invites
viewers into a deeper moment. That emotional connection is essential—it opens space for the
underlying message to be felt and heard. I use visual storytelling as a bridge between
awareness and empathy, encouraging dialogue around issues that shape our shared
experience.
Central themes in my art practice include diversity, mental health, environmental conservation,
and the intricate relationships between individuals, their environments, and other living beings.
These ideas weave throughout my illustrations, culminating in cohesive visual compositions. My
intention is to create work that not only captures emotion, but also fosters a meaningful
relationship between the viewer and the piece itself.
Stylistically, my work can be described as immersive realism. I primarily work in paint both for
gallery work and mural installations. Across my art practice, dramatic contrasts of light and
shadow and detailed portraiture serve as recurring elements.
