Draft:Deonna Craig

Deonna Craig
Born	Indianapolis, Indiana
Alma mater	DePauw University
Notable work	Black Lives Matter street mural and "White Out"
Website	https://www.deonnacraigart.com/

Deonna Craig is an American abstract visual artist and art instructor who is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Craig's art is largely focused on activism, history, dreams, and her own travels. She is primarily known for her contribution to the Black Lives Matter street mural on Indiana Avenue, created by the Eighteen Collective of which Craig is the president. Art by Deonna Craig is Craig's art company in which she sells many of her original abstract paintings and prints. The artist has had her work bought and featured in numerous notable institutions such as the Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields), the Indianapolis Children's Museum, the Indiana State Museum, and the Indianapolis Art Center.

Career

Craig attended Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. After establishing herself as an artist, Craig came back to her high school to participate in their Black History program where she painted a piece live and gifted it to the school's president.

Before deciding upon an artistic career path, Craig attended DePauw University where she graduated with a degree in Communication and Sociology. Planning to have a career in either journalism or television, Craig jumped into working as a Production Assistant for the Jerry Springer Show right out of college. After leaving the Jerry Springer Show, Craig dove into corporate American insurance. In this field she worked as a fraud investigator for fifteen years. During Craig's days in Cooperate America she was invited by her mom to a wine and canvas activity in order to "blow off steam." Though Craig had never pick up a paint brush prior to this activity, the instructor encouraged her to pursue the arts. Craig followed the instructor's advice, buying painting supplies the next day and finding further encouragement online in the form of buyers.