Jolene DuBray is a visual artist and community creator based in Jacksonville, Florida. Much of her work is rooted in narrative and symbolism, drawing from history, folklore, and personal mythology. Working primarily in oil, watercolor, and book arts, she creates richly detailed paintings that invite close looking and emotional engagement.

Jolene’s compositions often unfold like quiet allegories, filled with recurring motifs, lush textures, and gilded surfaces that contribute to the subtle tensions between beauty and unease. Her interest lies in the visual language of storytelling: how we communicate memory, identity, and transformation through imagery and symbolism.

She holds a BFA in Fine Arts and a BA in Art History from Flagler College. Jolene has exhibited in solo and group shows throughout the region.

Community Work

Alongside her studio practice, Jolene is deeply engaged in fostering creative community through live art and collaborative programming. She frequently performs live painting at cultural events, music shows, and charity events, blending fine art with shared experience. Her events often bring together artists, musicians, and audiences to blur the line between art-making and gathering, reinforcing the idea that art is not just something to look at, but something to be part of.

Ground & Gesso Co.

In 2025, Jolene co-founded Ground & Gesso Co., a small, artist-run company crafting archival-quality painting panels. Ground & Gesso Co. crafts fine art panels, including oil and acrylic-primed linen and watercolor boards. The focus is on using only the highest-quality archival grounds, mounted to rigid hardwood supports with time-tested techniques built to last for generations.

With over a decade of experience working in archives, Jolene brings a deep understanding of material longevity to the process. Ground & Gesso carefully sources only the most trusted archival materials, prioritizing integrity, stability, and the tactile qualities that support professional-level work.

Residency at Solune Coffee

Jolene is currently the artist-in-residence at Solune Coffee in Jacksonville, Florida. There, she organizes and hosts weekly figure study sessions that celebrate body diversity and artistic experimentation, helping create a welcoming and inspiring space for artists and models alike. The residency also offers opportunities for live painting, community events, and ongoing dialogue between art and everyday life.