Jackson received her BFA from Parsons School of Design in 1979 and her MFA from Cornell University in 1988. Her dramatic paintings speak of the hardships of African Americans through her distinctive voice. The artist’s work references European traditions, African American music and literature, surrealism, social issues around race, and her life’s own narrative. Jackson has been the recipient of several individual grants from Georgia Council for the Arts and a Special Projects Grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. In 2002 Jackson became a recipient of the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation Award in recognition of her life’s dedication developing artistic goals, regardless of other personal or financial responsibilities. (Photo credit: www.shopbaiaonline.com – blackartinamerica.com)