Jen O'Connell

Jen O’Connell is an artist who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, two kids, two cats and the best dog ever. 

Jen grew up in the small town of Oldenburg, Indiana where she developed a deep love of nature and color. As a child, she remembers how exciting yet peaceful it was to walk in the woods with her family exploring the countryside. Drawing, painting, creating and coloring were some of her favorite pastimes. The 64-box of crayons was her most prized possession.

She attended Indiana University where she cultivated her skills in color theory, drawing, painting and learning from and about the masters. She graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts Studio and Art History.  

She is a member of RISE, a local learning based art collective that helps artists grow their business while contributing to the expansion of art experiences in public schools. 

Jen enjoys participating in local art shows where she can meet patrons and other artists and display her work. 

Jen has shown her work in numerous juried shows and exhibitions over the past 16 years and has received many awards along the way. Shows and awards include:

-Augusta Art in the Park where she won Best in Show for 2D Art

-Art North at Westheimer Gallery where she won a Juror’s Award and Award of Excellence from jurors Matt Distel and Chris Payne

-Richmond Riverfest Art Festival where she won First Place in Fine Arts

-Wyoming Art Exhibit where she twice won an Honorable Mention Award 

-The Healing Arts Project in Oxford where she won a Purchase Prize Award

-Evendale Art Show where she won a Juror’s Distinction Award

-Bellevue Art in the Park where she won Honorable Mention

-Hyde Park Square Art Show

-Westwood Art Show

-Loveland Art Festival

-Essex Studio Visiting Artist

-Art in Nature at Pyramid Hill in Hamilton

-Putting the Pieces Together Art Show at Maple Knoll in Springdale 

-Indigenous Gallery Art Tile Exhibit where she demonstrated her talents at creating alcohol ink tile paintings

-Southeastern Indiana Art Guild Regional Art Exhibit in Aurora, Indiana 

-Madiera Art Show

-Art Local in Springfield Township

-Oakley’s Red Tree Gallery