Marva Pitchford Jolly

Country Women
high fired porcelain stain and glazed clay
12 x 12 x 12 in.

Marva Lee Pitchford Jolly of Chicago received her B.A. degree in Urban Studies at Roosevelt University and a M.A. degree in Ethnic Studies at Governors State University, both in Chicago. Born on a farm in Creshaw, Mississippi as one of eight children, she was inspired and nurtured by her early surroundings and developed a world view early in life through avid reading, education, private study and world travel.
In 1982 Marva decided to become a professional artist, after spending more than twenty years in teaching and social service careers. Over the span of her artistic career she has been featured in many publications and films and enjoyed numerous trips to Africa which included a six week residency to work with Zambian potters, sponsored by the City of Chicago Artists Abroad program. Along with multiple commissions and honors, she has also served as an Artist-in-Residence numerous times, most recently at New York University.

Many exhibits over the years have included “What is Black Art” at Indiana University, “Woman’s Work” at Wisdom Artist Gallery and recently “The Kite Show” at the Chicago Cultural Center. Her pieces are included in a large number of collections such as Microsoft, Chicago Hilton and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is currently represented at the Woodson Gallery. Marva has been a Tenured Faculty member of Chicago State University since 1987.

© Marva Pitchford Jolly