Jon

Jon’s life is built around his talent and passion for art. Jon was born in 1981 with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a congenital condition manifested by weak bones that make him very susceptible to fractures and also shortened his height. Though this condition limits his physical ability, it heightened his sensitivity to the world around him and his love of creation led Jon to begin drawing as a very young child. His artistic expression blossomed as he grew older and by age 11, Jon was painting with oils and at 16, he started working with glass. Jon loves to keep busy and create things and primarily works with oil paint, stained glass and lampworking.

Growing up, Jon would break bones every couple of months but now it’s been 12 years since his last broken bone. Art has kept Jon physically and mentally active. Jon has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with an emphasis in drawing, painting, and sculpture. He enjoys going to art shows where he can sell his art, and all money Jon makes from selling his work goes back into his business to create more art.

Operating a business on his own can be a challenge, but knowing he can do it keeps Jon motivated to succeed. Jon looks forward to the future and has a goal to be financially independent. Currently Jon creates all of his art in a studio attached to his home. He also enjoys teaching others and conducts workshops at nearby schools.

Jon’s very independent, but looks to his care team to help support him. He knows he can count on his Lakeland Care team for support with wheelchair maintenance and routine activities like cleaning and grocery shopping. Jon lives with a roommate who helps him out and his home is adapted to meet his height challenges. Jon knows he will need help in the future and will look to Lakeland Care’s team for help when needed. Jon drives an accessible van, allowing him to be independent to drive where he needs to go. Jon enjoys meetings with his Lakeland Care team and show them his most recent art creations, and he likes knowing he has someone to call on when a challenge arises.

Jon’s love for life shines through in his artistic creations, and he doesn’t let anything stop him. Jon’s care team enjoys his art work which is inclusive in the way he portrays physical disabilities. Through his work Jon is a true example of someone using his disability to highlight his own strength, and strengths in others.

Jon has exhibited various pieces of artwork throughout North America including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Joseph D. Carrier Gallery in Toronto, Canada. In addition, Jon’s work is held in public collections at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Ripon College in Wisconsin and MacMurray College in Illinois.