“Anna Russell Jones: The Art of Design” highlights the diverse treasures of the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s permanent collection.
Anna Russell Jones (1902-1995), was the first African American graduate of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, now Moore College of Art and Design, and an alumna of the anatomy department of Howard Medical School, now Howard University College of Medicine.
She was known to contemporaries as a talented artist, working in wallpaper and carpet design, civil service illustrator, and freelance artist.
This exhibition surveys original art and design by Jones, displaying the intricacies of the artist’s practice and highlighting significant archival materials from this rare collection. The virtual tour, which lasts about an hour and is guided by an AAMP docent, also illustrates her interest in African American history and civil rights, commitment to public service, and fascination with medical practice.