Sixteen BGM students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society recently. Pictured are, from left, front row: Amelia Davis, Ellie English, Hayden Bockenstedt, Mya Beck, Aubrie Holder, Payton Manatt, Cara Arment, Emerson Minnaert. Back row: Madelynn Doty, Carter Tuttle, Graysen Berry, Emmitt Albers, Ellis Petsche, Isaiah Williams, Jake Bosenbert and Kaylin Hatfield.

      Ryan “Homer” Jones of Grinnell shows one of his recent abstract paintings at the Solace Center. Jones has been painting for about 3.5 years and is working to get his artwork out to the public.

 by J.O. Parker

​        Ryan “Homer” Jones is finding a new lease on life in Grinnell. 
      After years of personal struggles, Jones has learned to deal with life’s challenges through his paintings.  About 3.5 years ago, Jones started creating abstract paintings.  When asked why he chose abstract paintings, Jones said, “I can let out my past in my artwork. I grew up a little rough and had some drug issues that I really don’t want to go back to again.”
       Eight years ago, Jones, who is from Barberton, Ohio, reconnected with an uncle who lived in Grinnell at the time.
        “He helped me get my life back in order,” said Jones of his uncle.
       But things really took off for Jones when he met Kent Reed, founder of American Brawn and their Grinnell Solace Center. The center is located at 528 Main Street on the third floor, accessible with aid of an electric chair. The Solace Center was founded about two years ago. It is a place where Grinnell-area veterans and first responders and others who need some quiet time with peers and a helping hand in life can have a safe space to paint, play music, read, write or just chat with someone.  
        The center is open on Thursdays from 6 – 8 p.m. and drop-ins are welcome. 
       One evening in April 2024 it was raining. Reed was outside locking up the Solace Center when Jones rode by on a bicycle. They struck up a conversation and Reed mentioned to Jones that some of the participants at the Solace Center were painting and invited Jones to participate. 
       Jones came the next week, on a break from work, and brought a painting to give to Reed. Since that time, he has been a weekly fixture at the Solace Center.
       Since the two met, Reed has been helping Jones get his abstracts out to the public. Some of his work is on display at the Grinnell Craft Brewhouse.
       Just a couple weeks ago, Reed helped Jones set up a booth at the Iowa Largest Arts and Craft Show in Des Moines, where he was able to display and sell his work.
       “Mr. Reed has helped me get my life back together,” said Jones.
Jones’ paintings sell for between $200 - $500.
      When not painting, Jones works as a cook at Hometown Heroes and Prairie Canary restaurants in Grinnell.
      “I have a design background,” said Reed. “I’m amazed that every piece has good consistency, balance and color when Homer is entirely self-taught.”
       As for the future, Jones hopes to offer his paintings at more Iowa art shows and on-line. 
     “We plan to hit three or four shows this year and see if Homer can find a market for his artwork,” said Reed.
     Jones can be contacted on Facebook at homerspaintsjones and on Instagram at HomerisAbstract.Ig. You can also by email Jones at [email protected] or by phone at 234-542-7268. You can also stop up at the Solace Center any Thursday from 6 – 8 p.m. to see his work and tour the studio.