Jenna (Johnson) Jaffrey, Elkhorn South High School Class of 2012
Interview conducted by Ann Huddleston, Alumni Relations
Jenna (Johnson) Jaffrey, 2012 Elkhorn South graduate, opens up about what led her to a career as an artist. You may have seen her work out and about in Omaha, notably, Frida Kahlo at Cattle Call, a restaurant in downtown Omaha.
When did your love of art begin?
My love for art is layered. I used to say it began around age 13, after sustaining several knee injuries that sidelined me from sports. Painting started as a distraction, not a passion. It wasn’t until later in my career that I truly understood what it meant to love art. Like many artists, I discovered it was a way to express myself outwardly. That love deepened when I saw viewers emotionally connect with my work—something that didn’t happen overnight. It took years of painting, self-exploration, and learning about the world around me to uncover that passion. It’s the ongoing growth and understanding that keeps me moving the brush.
Were there any teachers in Elkhorn who helped you find and hone your craft?
Absolutely. Every teacher played a role in my growth as a young artist. When you’re just starting out, confidence and encouragement are everything. One of my proudest memories is from sophomore year in Mr. Auck’s Beginning Painting and Drawing class. While I loved the random days he grilled hotdogs for us, I showed up because he believed in me. He let me sit in the back and create freely, seeing something in me I hadn’t yet recognized. One of those pieces ended up in a group show in downtown Elkhorn, and the following year, my work was featured at Hot Shops Art Center—where I later launched my career. It was a domino effect, and I often forget that the first piece to fall was right there in high school.
Do you have any standout memories from growing up in Elkhorn?
One of the most defining moments was when an employee from TD Ameritrade saw my work in the school hallway and later commissioned me to create four pieces for their new building. That was the moment I realized this wasn’t just a hobby—it was the beginning of a career. I often reflect on that experience and the pride it gave me. Now that I paint for clients daily, it’s easy to lose sight of the excitement behind each project. But I never forget how honored I am to serve others creatively.
Jenna’s senior picture – ESHS 2012 yearbook
What was your career trajectory after high school?
With no formal training or college degree, I started from scratch. Right after graduation, I secured a studio at Hot Shops Art Center. Surrounded by talented artists, I committed to learning everything I could and never giving up. For years, I created commissions for homes and businesses. Looking back, that was my training period—even though I didn’t know what I was training for. Now I understand: art isn’t just self-expression, it’s also about bringing someone else’s vision to life. Even on days when motivation is low, I show up and create because it’s my purpose. I’m here to make the world more colorful and to be present for those who need my creativity.
What inspired you to open your own studio? What do you envision for the space?
I wanted the freedom to create on my own terms—lower overhead, fewer interruptions, and the ability to blast music or paint murals on the walls if I felt like it. While I miss the camaraderie at Hot Shops, I was there from 2012 to 2023, working in solitude has shifted my mindset and my creative process. Life may eventually lead me back to a shared space, but for now, I’m embracing this quiet chapter. My shipping container studio is still in progress, but I’m keeping it simple. All I need are four walls, my supplies, and time.
How do you balance art and family life?
My schedule isn’t a typical 9-to-5. It fluctuates with demand and weather, especially now that I focus on public murals. When I’m on a project, I might paint for 10 to 14 hours a day until it’s done. During those intense periods, I prioritize my health and mental well-being. My husband, Ahmad, is incredibly supportive—keeping things running at home while I come back covered in paint and ready to crash. In quieter seasons, I stick to a 9-to-5 routine so we can enjoy dinner together and quality time. Balance is everything in an artist’s life.
How do people usually find you?
Mostly through word-of-mouth. I’m not great at marketing myself, so I rely on genuine connections made while working in the field. I always take time to chat with passersby, answer questions, and sometimes even invite them to participate. I love educating and engaging with the community while I work.
What piece of art do you wish you owned?
Any piece created by artists I’ve connected with. While famous works have monetary value, it’s the art made by people I’ve met that moves me most. There’s something deeply personal about owning a piece from someone whose journey I’ve witnessed.
Do you have artwork on display in public spaces?
Yes! I have several public murals across Iowa and Nebraska. In Council Bluffs, you can visit “Cruising Broadway,” a 500-foot mural along First Avenue Trail that pays tribute to the cruising culture of West Broadway. In Red Oak, I painted “Inspire” on the north side of The FiveOne8—a vital creative hub for the community. In Sioux City, my mural “From Her Arms, We Rise” was created for the Alley Art Festival and celebrates inclusion and Midwest pride. In Omaha, you’ll find my work at Cattle Call (a large Frida Kahlo portrait), Ghost Donkey’s back patio (a wall of flowers), and one of my favorite projects—Handprints of Omaha at Millwork Commons, featuring 3,000 community handprints collaged into trees.
What advice would you give to high school students exploring their future?
You can’t—and shouldn’t—do it alone. I encourage young artists to seek apprenticeships and learn from those they admire. It truly takes a village to shape an artist, whether that village realizes its influence or not. I’ve had artists thank me years later for a conversation or idea we shared, and it’s those moments that build us up. If you can, travel. Discover yourself while learning about the world around you. That’s where growth begins.
