Jo Davis Full Bio

Jo's formal education began at Tulane University in New Orleans, transferring later to FIT in New York for an Associate Degree in Fine Art. There, she studied with abstract expressionists and documentary photographers and interned with fashion designer Nicole Miller. She earned a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, with a focus on illustration, formalist painting, and children’s books, including a study-abroad program in Rome.

in 2000, Jo launched digitaljo, a digital design agency, at a time when the internet was just starting to revolutionize how we view art and design. She was painting and showing her work first on Long Island, then moving to San Francisco.

Jo moved to Lancaster, PA in 2003 and joined Atomic Design, where she honed her skills across various departments, from scenic painting to carpentry, eventually assisting in design work. With the birth of her first child in 2007, she transitioned to freelance work, allowing for greater flexibility.

From 2008 to 2010, Jo studied Spanish in Panama City. There, her creativity flourished in new ways, from creating children's clothing and artwork to gaining recognition as a finalist for a window mural at the Biomuseo, a project connected to the famous architect Frank Gehry.

Returning to Lancaster, Jo founded Pancakes For Breakfast, a line inspired by her work in Panama. Soon after, she co-founded Modern Art with a friend, focusing on community-based art installations. In 2017, Jo took a pivotal role with the City of Lancaster, running the public art program. Her efforts expanded the program, securing funding from national entities like the National Endowment for the Arts and earning prestigious accolades, including a Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Award.

Jo left her city position in 2021 to rejuvenate her studio practice and pursue studies in art therapy. As a creative consultant and mentor, she now focuses on the healing and transformative potential of art, drawing from her rich life experiences and professional background.