Born in 1957, Joseph Norman navigated the South Side’s mean streets that had become inhabited by gangs, violence, civil disobedience, and protest, and which held a constant challenge for a young boy with artistic inclinations.

Joseph Norman has built an illustrious career as a draughtsman and master printmaker, a tenured professor, esteemed educator with a formidable art intellect. He is known for making beautiful pictures about ugly things making his work powerful, deeply moving and accessible to a diverse audience of all ages. Many art historians rank him among the most important African American muralists and printmakers. Trained in printmaking, drawing, painting and ceramics, with Master’s Degrees in both Fine Art and Art Education.

His works are included in many prestigious museums and private collections in the United States and Central America. In 1995, a retrospective of his work was exhibited at the Museum of Fine Art Boston, Boston, MA. His works are housed in Americas most important museums and public collections including, Seattle Art Museum, The Museum of Modern Art, NY. The Museum of Fine Arts Boston, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The National Gallery and Smithsonian Museum of American Art, Washington, DC.

Joseph Norman is a visionary educator and a compelling speaker. He makes learning accessible to all and looks forward to interacting with children, students and the community.