Dr. Ashley A. Jones is a Pittsburgh-based mixed-media visual artist, educator, and scholar, born and raised in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. Her work explores Black identity, culture, and community. She is the creator of Art by AAJ, where art, education, and storytelling come together to amplify underrepresented narratives.

Dr. Jones holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Central State University, an M.F.A. in Drawing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and an Ed.D. from Point Park University, where her research focuses on the experiences and retention of Black educators in predominantly white independent schools.

Her career bridges both creative practice and education. A former Assistant Professor and Gallery Director, she now teaches Upper School Visual Arts at St. Edmund’s Academy in Pittsburgh. Whether in the classroom, studio, or gallery, Dr. Jones uses art as a tool for reflection, representation, and cultural affirmation.

Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, acquired by private collectors and public institutions, and featured in numerous books and publications. Her acclaimed series The Colorism Project continues to spark conversations about race, beauty standards, and the generational impact of colorism.

Rooted in storytelling, Dr. Jones’s creative and teaching practices celebrate Black identity, resilience, and belonging, offering space for expression, critical thinking, and transformation.