Born in Atlanta in 1950, Joann Martin grew up in the southwest community of Pittsburgh. “In those days, Atlanta was more of a small town than a city, and many of its residents, including my family, had recently moved from rural areas. My paintings often reflect my upbringing in an extended family, in a community where our elders were respected, our children played under the watchful eyes of family and neighbors, and most important, we were spiritually nurtured and loved.” She continues adding new works to her series, “Dirt Yards and Other Cherished Grounds,” a tribute to African-American gardens.
