Jahara Sara Conz's Friends

Jahara Sara Conz's Page

Artist Statement/Bio: I came from a family of artists and was raised by a mother who taught me to "always believe in the power of art and creativity." With my mother's inspiration and respect for art I quite naturally decided to follow an artistic path. My early dreams of becoming an interior designer led me to pursue a degree in Graphic Design at Umass Dartmouth. In 2003 the urge to explore outside a school setting took me to †he Middle East where upon return was inspired to pursue my passion for dance. With this new found joy I made the decision to evolve my focus & create a degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst entitled: Fincancial Management in Visual Art and Dance. This same year I met Shannon Doran who trained and mentored me in the Art of Face Painting. In 2008 I started my small business: Collective Joy through which Face and Body Painting services are offered. A Master's Degree in Graphic Design or Physical Therapy, as well as studying dance and drum in Ghana are on my "very near future aspiration list."

Describe your organization or gallery: Collective Joy is my small business through which I offer Face & Body painting services for parties, events, ceremonies, baby showers, festivals, faires as well as full day body painting sessions that are healing and transformative experiences. I am the founder of and co-choreographer for FemmAesthetik and Innovative Female Dance Ensemble that fuses dance with spoken word. The Ensemble is available for performances, classes & workshops.