Duane Jones

Vere “Duane” Jones Jr. (1981), is an award-winning conceptual artist, designer and podcast host with degrees from Bermuda College, NSCAD University and Dalhousie University. Best know as the founder of Studio Art Pays Me – an artist focused clothing brand and podcast, Duane regularly contributes to creative juries and boards as an advocate for artists and marginalized people. He is the co-chair of the Canadian Art Foundation, a member of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s Curatorial committee, is a former member of the NSCAD University Board of Governors and former president of the NSCAD Alumni Association.

Duane is fascinated by how visual language is used to shift culture and change or reinforce prevailing beliefs. His genre-blending creative process requires concept to dictate medium. His practice includes works on paper and canvas, corporate identity, public art and fashion – all brought together by his penchant for employing symbolism, colour and typography to elicit audience responses.

Master of Information Management – Dalhousie University; Halifax, NS (2014)

Bachelor of Communication Design (Honours), Minor in Digital Media – NSCAD University; Halifax, NS (2004)

Associate of Art and Design – Bermuda College; Paget, BDA (2000)

Exhibition curator – Halifax Salsa & Bachata Festival: Arte & Movement; Marriott Harbourfront, Halifax, NS (2024)

Group exhibition – Go Figure...; Hermes, Halifax, NS (2024)

Group exhibition – It’s Been A Year: 2023-24 Visual Arts Nova Scotia Mentorship Program Exhibition; The Craig Gallery, Dartmouth, NS (2024)

Exhibition curator – Halifax Salsa & Bachata Festival: Arte & Movement; Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax, NS (2023)

Group exhibition – Monochrome; The Dart Gallery, Dartmouth, NS (2023)

Group exhibition – Strengthening Resilience; St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS (2023)

Group exhibition – Empower Global Artist Showcase; Atlanta, GA (2022)

Group exhibition – Squared Away; The Ice House Gallery, Tatamagouche, NS (2022)

Group fashion show – This Is Us; Parade Square, Halifax, NS (2022)

Group fashion show – Invest in NEST; Light House Arts Centre, Halifax, NS (2022)