Jennifer Jones is the co-founder and board vice president of Dade County ArtConnect
Jennifer Jones is all about adding color — quite literally — to people’s lives. A longtime art teacher in Greenfield, Jones has added a new brush to her work through Dade County ArtConnect, a grassroots group she co-founded that brings locals together for classes, events and connection.
The idea began when a local mom asked Jones if Greenfield had an arts center. The short answer: It did not, leading the women to start DCA. Its efforts expanded in 2025 when a local man donated a former church building to be the center’s home.
“As an artist, I would like to share a safe place for anybody to come in and experience what it might mean to have their pictures up on the wall for everybody to see,” Jones says.
DCA’s board is still learning what the rural community desires from the center. At times, it’s creating awareness about the opportunity for art; at others, it’s building bridges to bring people — kids and adults — together.
DCA’s work spans artistic disciplines. It recently installed padded seating in the auditorium for patrons to enjoy theatrical and musical productions. During the summer, “Fun Fridays” draw people to create. Classes, ranging from rug-hooking to basket-weaving, are held regularly at the center. That work is supported by the
DACO Community Foundation and the Springfield Regional Arts Council, which recently contributed funding for the center’s kiln.
Jones says DCA has learned a lot in its early years, which includes learning where people’s interests are, and using that to see where they can contribute. Do not let personal agendas stop the momentum. Always have a curiosity about the possibilities of what can be done.
“I think the number one lesson we’ve learned as an organization is do what you say you’re going to do,” she says.
Who inspires you? Send your suggestions of individuals moving the needle in your community to Kaitlyn McConnell, the CFO's writer in residence, at kmcconnell@cfozarks.org.
