Posted by Andrea Durway
Meet Jess Dewes – Art Educator
Some people move away and never look back. Others, like Jess Dewes, find their way back home—drawn by family, friendships, and maybe even the subtle pull of the Arch itself.
A Journey That Led Back to St. Louis
Jess grew up in Florissant, Missouri, but her path has taken her far beyond St. Louis. She’s lived in Columbia, Kansas City, Chicago, and Montpelier, Vermont, moving frequently—three times in St. Louis, three times in Vermont, and then back to St. Louis, settling in Rock Hill. Her husband of 22 years, Mike. is the Sustainability Manager for LifeWorks, a division of Aramark. Their daughter, Sylvie, is studying Landscape Architecture at Kansas State.
A Life in Art, Education, and Activism
Jess’s passion for art, education, and social justice has shaped her career. She earned a BFA in Photography from the Kansas City Art Institute (’96) and later pursued a Master’s in Teaching from Webster University (’07). For over 12 years, she taught studio art in public schools, working with students from kindergarten through high school.
Beyond teaching, Jess has worked in nonprofit organizations focused on higher education access and equity and has been an activist for labor rights and reproductive rights. She’s currently a Communications Specialist with The Scholarship Foundation. No matter where life takes her, her core mission remains the same: expanding access to education, art, and civil rights.
The Birth of The Grown Folks Art Club
As a longtime art teacher, Jess always designed her classroom to be warm, welcoming, organized, and inspiring—a place where students could safely experiment, challenge themselves, and see the world in new ways. She dreamed of creating a similar space for adults, where anyone, regardless of experience, could feel comfortable exploring their creativity.
That dream became a reality when her former teaching partner and friend, Marnie Claunch, opened Marnie’s Creative Outlet last summer in Webster Groves. The moment Jess stepped inside, she knew it was exactly the kind of art space she had always envisioned. When Marnie invited her to host classes there, she jumped at the opportunity and launched The Grown Folks Art Club.
How The Grown Folks Art Club Works
The club meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30–8:00 PM. Each four-week session introduces new art techniques like drawing, watercolor, and mixed media. Participants don’t need prior experience—just a willingness to experiment and have fun! All supplies are provided.
Next Session Details
The next Grown Folks Art Club session starts on Wednesday, February 19, 2024, and runs weekly through March 12, 2024. For more details and registration, visit Marnie’s Creative Outlet.
Bringing Art Into Your Home
Jess has an eclectic, well-loved collection of art that reflects her travels, friendships, and life experiences. Many of her pieces come from local art fairs—often bought as anniversary or holiday gifts—or were created by friends. Her biggest piece? A collaborative painting that she and her family agreed to “temporarily” house—which turned into a decade-long stay.
For anyone looking to bring more original art into their home, Jess shares these tips:
- Trust your gut. If a piece makes you gasp or smile, find a way to bring it home.
- Start small. Tiny, affordable works can add personality and warmth to a space.
- Support emerging artists. Your purchase might mean the world to them.
- Create a dynamic display. Don’t be afraid to mix framed prints, paintings, textiles, and unexpected pieces in a way that feels personal and unique.
Having moved so many times, Jess knows that art isn’t just décor—it’s a way to bring joy, history, and personality into a home. And for her, St. Louis is the perfect place to continue building a life full of art, connection, and creativity.
Thanks to Jess, for sharing her story with us. If you would like to be part of our Client Spotlight series, or have questions for Jess, contact us for more information.
