About Me

I was born, raised in, and have returned to the Rio Grande Valley, a pocket between Mexico and the rest of Texas.  I have painted for as long as I can remember.  In my teens, I studied with Vie Dunn-Harr, who inspired me to be a professional artist. I feel incredibly blessed to paint, to be close to my family, and to have good friends who support my work.

Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION                     
New York University, New York, NY, Summer 2009

Bachelor of Arts, Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, May 2005
                Major: Studio Art, Focus: painting and sculpture
                Minor: Art History

Study Abroad      La Escuela de Ceramica de la Moncloa, Madrid, Spain, Spring 2004
                          La Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico, Summer 2003                                                 

EXHIBITIONS
(* indicates solo exhibits)
2011    Arte De la Frontera, in Association with the 2011 Texas Biennial exhibition, McAllen, TX
            McAllen Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibitions, McAllen, TX
            STISD Faculty Exhibit, Bibliotecas Las Americas, Mercedes, TX
2010     * "When Reason Rhymes" ManicHaus Gallery, McAllen, Texas.
2009     Nuevo Santander Gallery, McAllen, Texas.
            Manichaus, McAllen, Texas.
2008     BLACK AND WHITE, International Museum of Arts and Science, McAllen, Texas.
2006    * Mission City Council, Mission, Texas.
           RED, International Museum of Arts and Science, McAllen, Texas.
2005     The Art House Gallery, McAllen, Texas.
McAllen Creative Incubator, McAllen, Texas.
            *THE SPACES BETWEEN Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas.
2003    Student Exhibit, Georgetown, Texas.
           McAllen Chamber of Commerce, McAllen, Texas.
2002    Student Exhibit, Georgetown, Texas.
2001    ARTE RIO GRANDE 2001, McAllen International Museum of Arts and Science, McAllen, Texas.
2000    *Fith Annual White House Community Empowerment Conference, Mercedes, Texas
           WOMEN ARTISTS FESTIVAL, McAllen International Museum of Arts and Science , McAllen,       Texas.
            *Edinburg Public Library,    Edinburg, Texas.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nancy Moyer, "Surface Treatment: When Reason Rhymes." The Monitor, August 19, 2010.
Kate Holms, “Born for Art: Jessica Monroe pursuing her life’s passion.”Festiva, October 7, 2005.
Noe Hinojosa, “Cover Artist: Jessica Monroe,” Mesquite Review, December/January 2000.
Brandice J. O’Brien, “Artist’s modern interpretation of traditional styles catches judges’ eye,” The Monitor, July 2000.

GALLERY REPRESENTAION
Nuevo Santander, McAllen, TX