Joel Crooms is an artist. proudly living in Washington DC. East of the Anacostia river. Although formally educated he considers himself self-taught. With the help of his family and community his art developed and flourished. Reared in tumultuous times of change in America, he has always been supported by progressive individuals and groups. While offered opportunities by the dominant society / art world, so far he prefers the fringe. All of his work is political even flowers and trees. Most of it is reflective of the beautiful in the world and how we treat each other. In reference to his work, all he cares is to do and not be constrained by others or himself. And to continue to speak to cosmopolitan / universal issues. Life. The flowers and the babies: Idealistic? Yes!
This bio is written by Monica Hand, author, poet and artist. Her words capture the development of J.M. Crooms' art. In memoriam of the lives lost in the war against humanity, from The Poetry Mail, updated 2019.
Crooms has studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and Rutgers University. He has exhibited at Princeton University, Rutgers University, City Hall in Newark, Columbia University School of Law, Atlantic Community College, Boston University, worked at the Works Gallery, Harlem State Office Building, Howard University (in honor of Black College Day), the School of Visual Arts - NYC, University of Southern California and has participated in the Sister City exhibit in the Bahamas.
