Women of Ohio

See a list of all the winners here.

Taking the second spot in the art award is a striking portrait by Rob W. Jones featuring a local community figure, Edna Bryce.

Who was Edna Bryce?

Edna L. Bryce originally came from Fairhope, Alabama, who came to Columbus in 1926. In 1934, she set up a business, Bryce Florist, in her living room. The City of Columbus has a page featuring her story which explains that: “With no experience, training or resources Edna L. Bryce built that business into a profitable institution. Because of her tireless efforts with both the business and the community she was affectionately known as ‘The Flower Lady’.”

Not only a savvy businesswoman, Edna became an important activist and community leader involved in organizations such as the Columbus Branch of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and the Mt. Vernon Avenue District Improvement Association in the 1950s. Through this latter organization, she campaigned for the Mt. Vernon Plaza.

Rob tells us:

Ms. Bryce was a tireless advocate for the cultivation and development of her community. Whether through politics, business, various social advocacy organizations, or through the gardening of flowers, she sought to beautify and strengthen the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Columbus. I love researching local history and discovering historical figures that one probably would not come across in a textbook and then bringing their stories to canvas or paper. The photo reference I used for this portrait sparked further research into Ms. Bryce’s life. She has this amazing subtle intensity and confidence that is inescapable. 

This vibrant painting captures Edna’s facial expression, emphasizing her warm, grounded energy, while the flowers around her go beyond being a reference to her flower shop. They emphasize the beauty and nurturing spirit that she brought to the city of Columbus. Around her head and shoulders there is a pale green line that stands out like an aura or halo, reminding us of her compassionate nature. For the city of Columbus and the state of Ohio, she is truly a hero that we can be proud of.

Rob Jones is an artist/educator living and working in Columbus, OH. He has been exhibiting art around the country since graduating from Kent State University with an art degree in 1998. In 1999, he started working with GCAC’s Children of the Future Program as arts facilitator in an after school setting in Columbus City Schools. He worked with Mayor Coleman’s Cap City Kids and then with the Westside Boys and Girls Club facilitating arts programs for their teen center. Eventually, he earned his teaching certificate and Master’s Degree from Ashland University. He has been teaching elementary art in the Olentangy School District for the last 17 years. He is currently the artist/educator at Freedom Trail Elementary School in Olentangy. When he is not teaching or making art, he enjoys reading, researching history and folklore, and exploring various local waterways with his sons.