Julia Franklin-Jones Receives Excellence in Scholarly Achievement Award

Graceland University Professor of Art Julia Franklin-Jones, MFA

Graceland University Professor of Art Julia Franklin-Jones, MFA, received the Graceland University Excellence in Scholarly Achievement Award at the April 28, 2019, commencement ceremony, presented by Graceland President Patricia H. Draves.

Draves’ words at the ceremony were as follows:

I invite Julia Franklin-Jones to the stage. The past 12 months have been extremely busy for Professor Franklin-Jones. In September of 2018, Julia received the Iowa Arts Fellowship, a grant that has allowed her to expand, exhibit and express her artwork in new and interesting ways.

Earlier this year, her installation in the Helene Center, “Picking Up the Pieces,” addressed mental health and identity in a personal and powerful way. Professor Franklin-Jones also wrote a play that explored these themes further. Her work has been profiled by DSM Magazine, Iowa Public Radio and The Iowan Magazine. Her achievements this past year in artistic expression are why I am proud to present Julia Franklin-Jones with the Excellence in Scholarly Achievement Award.