Queen E. Brooks, a life long resident of Columbus, Ohio, is an artist, photographer, educator, and former gallery owner. Her work simultaneously reflects the maturity of a seasoned artist and the vibrancy of one who continues to evolve. Since her art emanates from common human experiences, it speaks to the “Everyman” situations and emotions of gratitude, loss, planting gardens, breaking out of boxes, and the conquering of fear.

Brooks received her B.F.A. and M.F.A. from The Ohio State University. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and grants. One significant grant was the Lila Wallace Readers Digest International Artist Fellowship, which permitted her to study for three months on the Ivory Coast of West Africa. Through a project grant from the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, Brooks, working with middle and high school students, designed and painted a mural in the Krumm park area on East Fifth Avenue.

She also created the portal entrance for the Kwanza Playground, Ohio’s first African-centered playground, located in Columbus, Ohio. Brooks was also commissioned to create a piece of art for a benefit to raise funds for Opera Columbus. Her generosity to the community is made manifest is these and other works.

Her work has been featured in Essence magazine and twice in the International Review of African American Art, and other publications. She has appeared on television and radio programs promoting the arts. Her works grace the walls of patron throughout the United States, and the Ivory Coast. The Columbus Museum of Art also added a piece of Queen’s artwork to their collection.

Brooks has taught art at The Ohio State University and is an adjunct professor at Otterbein College and Ohio Dominican University. She has nurtured and mentored aspiring artists in all phases of adulthood. She is one of the founding members of A.C.E., Art for Community Enrichment, has worked the F.A.C.E, Friends of Art for Community Enrichment, and Days of Creation, all organizations that foster the arts in the Columbus community. When not teaching she does art workshops with both children and adults throughout Ohio and the greater Columbus area.

Without a doubt, Queen Brooks will go on to create further awe-inspiring works of art while contributing even more dramatically to Ohio’s legacy of creativity.

Queen Brooks Website