Donna Jo Monroe grew up on the near east side of Indianapolis, Indiana where she graduated from Arsenal Technical High School. She was accepted as a student at the Herron School of Art and Design (IUPUI) where she graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Art Degree in Visual Communications.
She began her professional career with the State of Indiana as a Graphic Designer, where her interest in printing blossomed. From there she worked in various printing and advertising businesses until she joined Forum Group as the Print Production Manager, where she was responsible for overseeing the successful production of all printed materials. It was at that time, while working full time, she obtained her Masters in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.
After receiving her Master’s degree, she continued to focus her energy on growth opportunities within the printing industry. At Multi Packaging Solutions (mps) she was instrumental in developing and growing the digital print operation from one digital press and a single staff person to a full time staff of eleven, who functioned as a company within a company. The greatest strength of the team was their ability to create and produce complex variable data projects with high quality and quick turnaround.
At Novitex, she worked as the Print Production Manager at the State of Indiana site. She managed 17 employees who worked over three shifts. The site was responsible for providing printing and mailing services for various State Agencies, including the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Department of Revenue, Department of Workforce Development and Family and Social Services. Each Agency had specific legal and procedural processes that were followed on every job produced. She oversaw the processes and requirements of the site.
Donna retired from the printing business and entered a new phase in her life. She acknowledged her true calling as an artist. She works diligently every day studying, painting and creating new works of art. She creates her art using a method known as flow or fluid painting. Each painting is unique. The process is very therapeutic and rewarding. To see a blank canvas, select and mix each color to the correct consistency, add each color to a cup and then let the paint create a beautiful and one of a kind piece of work never ceases to amaze.
In addition to her professional life she served as a board member for the Herron School of Art and Design Alumni Board and the IU Executive Council member representing Herron. Donna Jo is an active member of Irvington’s Black Hat Society, the Beech Grove Artist Collective and the Eastside Art Collective. She served as a Board Member for Hope Fund Board. She was the 2021 Fountain Square Merchants Association Board President and currently serves as a Director.
Donna Jo is a resident in Fountain Square and is active in her church. She is also the proud mother of two sons and the grandmother of an adorable grandson.
