Iia, 18"x24", Oil

Iiadonnasanova (Iia) Owens-Williamson has been involved in the arts since she was a child growing up in Columbus, Georgia.  While other kids were outside playing, she could be found drawing, singing, writing, illustrating her own books or designing dolls.  Her parents were very supportive of her many ideas and reinforced her self-attained skills by exposing her to the tutelege of Georgia's finest art instructors.  Iia's interest in the arts continues to span a variety of mediums. She's been formally trained in sewing, drawing and painting, sculpture, wheel-throwing, hand building and model building.  Her self-taught training includes crocheting, knitting, jewelry design, latch-hook rug making, bridal headpiece design and beadery, gift basketry and dollmaking. 

Iia graduated with a B.F.A. in drawing and painting from Kennesaw State University (Magna Cum Laude) while raising two young children as a single parent.  In conjunction with her attending KSU, she also graduated from a business planning program offered by Cobb Microenterprise in Kennesaw, Georgia.  Her business was chosen to be featured on their website as "One of Tremendous Promise" (2003-2004).  Mrs. Owens-Williamson was an Associate member of the Portrait Society of Atlanta (2004), a member of the Society of Childrens' Books Writers and Illustrators (2004) and is currently a member of the Georgia Artists' Registry.  Her works have been seen in local art exhibitions, shows,charity events, the National Black Arts Festival(2002) and the Delta Sigma Theta National Convention(2002). Gift baskets created by Mrs. Owens-Williamson and Stephany Walls graced the hotel rooms of celebrities during the 34th Superbowl held in Atlanta.  Iia receives frequent requests for gift baskets from the most conscientious salespeople of local businesses who use them as marketing tools and gestures of appreciation.  She's created and copyrighted two lines of original, cloth dolls.  One of those lines, the "Lallipops", includes a doll that was designed as a comfort medium for breast cancer victims.  Plans are being finalized to distribute these cancer comfort dolls nationally.  Iia's latest line of dolls were released in January of 2006.  She has also returned to school to pursue an additional degree and certification in Art Education.

Iia has taught watercolor techniques and portrait painting in numerous art facilities in the Atlanta metro area.   She led the members of the Michael A. Grant Boys and Girls Club to a record-breaking, art award-winning year as their Art Instructor (2004-2005).  She's completed book illustrations for several local writers and is currently working on her own children's book.

Current events:

- Graduated in May 2007 with certification and degree in Art Education; magna cum laude

- Illustrations for the book: " Quilting with Jodie in Cotton Country" a book by nationally known Jodie and Jayne Davis and published by Breckling Press.    

- Featured on "That's Clever" show #323; Shown on March 16, 2007.