Edward Jonas

A sculptor and painter for over thirty years, Edward Jonas' distinctive style has drawn commissions from prominent subjects in the fields of law, medicine, government, education and professional sports. Author Tom Wolfe has referred to him as a "gifted creator of truth, skill and vision."

His art training began at the age of 10 under the direction of a private tutor. Jonas was accepting portrait commissions by the age of 15. At 18, he began his formal art study in Italy and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida State University. Master level studies were completed under Bettina Steinke of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In 1976, Jonas was one of the first five professionals hired to establish and build the Museum of Florida History. He held the position of Senior Staff Artist and Exhibit Designer for 10 years before resigning to pursue his art on a full-time basis.

Jonas is co-founder and national Vice Chair of the Portrait Society of America and is creator of the Portrait Society of America's Gold Medal. This award is presented annually, in acknowledgement of excellence in fine art portraiture. He recently unveiled two monumental bronze sculpture projects for Florida State University. The first one, entitled Sportsmanship is one and three-quarters life size and is located at Doak Campbell Stadium. In February he unveiled "Stepping Through Time" a fountain project that will features six bronze life size figures commemorating the transition of FSU to a co-educational university in 1947.

Noteworthy among his clients are professional golfers, Greg Norman, Fuzzy Zoeller, Peter Jacobson, Hubert Green and the family of Jack Nicklaus.He was recently appointed to the Florida Supreme Court Committee on Arts in the Courts and has served on the Florida Arts Council Grants Committee.



Back to Board Members page