05 May Meyer Najem Showcase: “Visions of Endurance” by Dr. Mattie Lee Jones
In a world that constantly demands movement, progress, and noise, moments of stillness are often where the most profound stories unfold. For Dr. Mattie Jones, those moments become a space for reflection, brought to life in her showcase exhibit, “Visions of Endurance”.
A lifelong, largely self-taught artist, Dr. Jones’ creative journey began early. At just five years old, her work was displayed by an art teacher at the Indianapolis Public Library. With further encouragement from her mother, she pursued formal opportunities through summer programs. She notes that “adult drawing classes later solidified my deep passion for drawing and painting human form.”
Since 2011, Dr. Jones has exhibited widely across Indiana and beyond. Such accolades include “Meet The Artists”, an annual exhibition at the Indianapolis Public Library, The Annual “FLAVA FRESH! Juried Exhibition Presentation Series of Contemporary Fine Art”, the Carmichael First Lady Tea Art Auction, in Carmel Indiana, Fishers Indiana Art Council Juried Exhibits, The Indianapolis Art Center Fall & Winter Exhibits, the Crown Hill Fall Festival, the Indianapolis Crispus Attucks Museum, and the Zionsville Indiana Sullivan Museum. She was also recently juried into the “Groose Pointe Art Exhibition” in Detroit, Michigan.
Her artistic path has continued to evolve in meaningful ways in addition to juried shows, including her involvement in the “Art Saves Life” exhibition in 2025, which led to a connection with Gennesaret Free Clinics and the curation of their first annual charity art auction, “Artful Purpose”, in 2026. This growing presence reflects not only her dedication to her craft, but also her commitment to using art as a means of connection and impact.
At the heart of Dr. Jones’ process is drawing. She explains, “Drawing serves as the essential foundation where the narrative the painting reveals first takes place before I begin to paint on the canvas.” Working primarily in oil paint, she builds upon initial sketches with careful, deliberate brushstrokes, adding texture and depth that expand the narrative beyond line alone. Her style blends visual art with storytelling, using the expressive potential of the human figure to communicate emotion and experience. With minimalist backgrounds, Dr. Jones strips away distraction, allowing the viewer to focus fully on the subject’s expression.
“Visions of Endurance” explores the resilience of the human spirit through quiet, contemplative imagery. Each piece invites viewers into a space of stillness, where strength is not loud or performative, but steady and deeply rooted. Rather than presenting a singular narrative, the collection encourages reflection, using simplified forms and negative space to create room for individual connection. Subtle symbolic elements, such as “birds, butterflies, and flowers” appear throughout and offer layered meanings while leaving space for personal interpretation.
This theme holds personal significance for Dr. Jones, who views endurance as both survival and a “transformative act of grace”. Her work reflects the balance between struggle and grace, acknowledging life’s challenges while emphasizing the inner strength that carries us through them. In these moments of quiet reflection, her paintings reveal an anchoring presence amid the constant motion of everyday life.
Visitors may view this compelling collection highlighting Dr. Jones’ thoughtful approach and evolving artistic voice at the Meyer Najem 2nd Floor Gallery from May 6-29, 2026. Guests are invited to meet Dr. Jones during her free public reception on Friday, May 8, from 5-7 p.m.