Meet Joseph Graves | Artist & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph Graves and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, why did you pursue a creative career?
I began my career in the legal field, earning my degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2005. I worked as a legal administrator at Denver Water, served under Colorado Governor Hickenlooper as the Director of Constituent Services and the Colorado Senate as a Policy Analyst and Outreach Director. Later transitioned into the private sector. Despite the professional achievements, I found myself feeling unfulfilled.

Art had always been a part of my life. Both of my parents are talented artists, though their creative pursuits remained largely hidden. As a child, I would occasionally draw and paint with my father, but over time, he set his passion aside. When I asked him why, he simply said, “Son, sometimes life gets in the way of your passion.” I remember promising myself that I wouldn’t let that happen to me.

Years later, while drawing with my daughter, I felt that same creative spark. But as life got busier, art once again took a backseat—until one day, my daughter, then around four or five, looked up at me and said, “Daddy, you don’t draw anymore.” I started to respond with the same words my father had told me, “Baby girl, life gets in the…”—but I stopped mid-sentence. That was my wake-up call.

Encouraged by family and friends, I committed to pursuing my artistic path more seriously. I’d be remiss not to mention my friend Terance Freeman, who, back in college, believed in my work enough to walk into multiple galleries trying to get it shown. It didn’t happen then, but now, I have a presence. Art isn’t just something I do—it’s something I am. It connects me to my past, my family, and my purpose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art has always been a part of me—it’s my language, my therapy, and my connection to the world. While the journey hasn’t been easy, creating has always felt natural. Art and I understand each other. The real challenge has been navigating the expectations of others while staying true to my own vision. I’ve often been hard on myself, wanting to please, but I’ve learned that my most authentic work comes when I create without boundaries.

I explore a lot because I love a lot. My work is eclectic, spanning multiple styles and mediums, but lately, my focus has been on Black Western art. Growing up in Kansas and Colorado, the cowboy culture was part of my experience, yet the Black presence in this history is often overlooked or erased. Through my art, I aim to reclaim and highlight these stories, making sure they are seen, honored, and never forgotten.

My artistic path has been diverse—from acting on stage to visual storytelling, from singing to writing. Each creative avenue feeds into the other, enriching my work. One of my biggest challenges has been balancing all the things I love, but I’ve embraced the journey rather than trying to confine myself.

I want the world to know that my art is more than just images—it’s history, passion, and a reflection of lived experiences. It’s a voice for those whose stories deserve to be told. Whether through painting, performance, or design, I strive to create work that sparks conversation, inspires, and preserves the richness of our shared history.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got a full experience of Denver’s arts, food, and culture. We’d start with a sushi feast at Sushi Train, my go-to spot for fresh, delicious rolls. Afterward, we’d swing by D’Art Gallery on Santa Fe, where my studio is located, to check out my latest works and explore the surrounding Art District on Santa Fe, a hub of creativity.

For a classy evening, we’d grab cocktails at Clayton Members Hotel, a spot with an elegant but laid-back vibe. If it’s the right night, we’d head over to The Bug Theatre for a show or catch the legendary Freak Train, an anything-goes open mic night that never disappoints.

One night would definitely include karaoke—probably at Randall’s on York, where we’d belt out some classics and enjoy some crispy, Southern cajun-style catfish. We’d also carve out time for coffee and good conversation at Whittier Café, one of the best community spots in town.

During the day, we’d take a stroll through RiNo (Five Points) to see the graffiti walls, visit boutique shops, and maybe even pop into a brewery or two. A visit to the Denver Art Museum (DAM) would be a must, and if we could snag discounted tickets, we’d catch a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA).

Of course, we’d also take some time to just vibe—maybe a relaxed afternoon at City Park, a drive up to Red Rocks for the views, or even a day trip to the mountains if the weather’s nice. Whatever we do, it’ll be a mix of art, music, food, and culture—just the way I like it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my family who support, inspire, and uplift me—allowing me to create freely and passionately. Your love fuels my art!

Website: https://www.josephgravesjr.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyjoseph_graves_jr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephgravesjr

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/joseph-graves-jr-denver

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JosephGravesJr

Image Credits
Brandi Elizabeth, Governor Jared Polis Office, Joe Rogers