Originally from a rural community located in central Kentucky and is currently a MFA candidate at the University of Louisville. Sarah Jane received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in Liberal Studies with a double major in Studio Arts and Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles. During her time in Lexington, KY she helped to found an artist collective that served as a platform for local emerging fashion designers and textile artists. This grassroots organization grew into an arts non-profit called The Lexington Fashion Collaborative and provided a safe space for under represented artists in Kentucky to grow their portfolios and networks. Serving as Co-Chair of this organization led her to a career in research and development of sustainable materials along with access building and community engagement. She has worked as commercial fashion designer and collaborating artist for the Los Angeles based luxury brand, The Elder Statesman. After returning to Kentucky from California to start her family she continued to craft products and home textiles under her private label, Storyteller Studio.

Now a mother of two and attending the University of Louisville she has developed her thesis around the study of natural dying with the Pokeberry, a plant native to Appalachia and often thought of as a weed, Sarah Jane is working to knowledge of this pigment while celebrating its beauty and benefit. Spreading awareness of the importance of local ecological studies through community based works. In the past few years she has taught Fibers, Mixed Media and 3D foundations for the University of Louisville as well as teaching art for local non-profit organizations such as Backside Learning Center and Dreams with Wings. Recent academic awards include the Student Champion Award, The Hite Scholarship, and the Graduate Mentorship Award. She has served as a mentor for high-school students through KMAC Couture, hosted by the Kentucky Museum of Arts and Craft from 2021-2025. Her published work included a selection of fiber works as illustrations for author Kelly Gray’s poetry Chapbook for the Tusclum Review published by Tusclum University in 2023.