North Texas Performing Arts proudly presents
Diversity in Artistry: Erika Lynne Jones
Free reception for the artist and NTPA Patrons
Sunday, March 29, 4-6 PM
at Neiman Marcus Welcome Center inside the Willow Bend Center of the Arts, in collaboration with the Plano Arts Association.
North Texas Performing Arts Celebrates Literacy Month with Diversity in Artistry Exhibit Featuring Author and Illustrator Erika Lynne Jones
PLANO, TX — North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) will celebrate March as Literacy Month by showcasing the work of acclaimed author and illustrator Erika Lynne Jones as part of its Diversity in Artistry Series, beginning March 16.
The exhibit will highlight Jones’ vibrant illustrations and storytelling that celebrate diversity, humor, and social-emotional learning for young readers. Her work will be displayed at North Texas Performing Arts throughout the month, inviting families and community members to experience art that uplifts children and affirms their sense of confidence, authenticity, and belonging.
A special reception honoring Erika Lynne Jones will be held on Sunday, March 29 from 4:00–6:00 PM at the Neiman Marcus Welcome Center at North Texas Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Plano Arts Association. The reception will bring together artists, educators, families, and community leaders to celebrate literacy and the arts. Erika will also have signed copies of Zara in the Middle and the Loud Librarian books, along with several framed prints.
As part of the event, NTPA is hosting a community book drive benefiting children living in local affordable housing communities. The book drive is generously sponsored by the Women in Affordable Housing (WAHN) DFW Chapter, supporting efforts to expand access to books and literacy resources for children across North Texas.
Families with children are especially encouraged to attend the reception weekend, as North Texas Performing Arts will also be performing The Cat in the Hat, creating a fun, literacy-focused experience that brings the joy of storytelling from the page to the stage.
Teachers and librarians are encouraged to connect with NTPA to receive free tickets to select NTPA productions, helping expand access to live theater experiences for students and promoting the connection between literacy, storytelling, and the performing arts.
Erika Lynne Jones is the illustrator of The Loud Librarian (Simon & Schuster, 2023), Black Girls: A Celebration of You (HarperCollins, 2023), and The Feelings Deck for Kids (Bala Kids, 2024). Her author–illustrator debut, Zara in the Middle (HarperCollins, 2025), received a starred review from School Library Journal.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Jones attended Southern Methodist University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast News, a Master of Arts in Arts Administration, and a Master of Business Administration. She previously served as the Founding Executive Director of America SCORES Dallas, an after-school literacy and fitness program serving the Dallas Independent School District. Today, she continues to visit schools and communities to share her passion for storytelling and art.
Jones is known for her vibrant cut-paper collage illustration style, which creates inclusive stories that uplift children and celebrate emotional awareness and belonging. Her work has been featured on Good Morning Texas, Texas Today, DFW Child Magazine, and The Washington Post, and was included on Mrs. Laura Bush’s 2023 Summer Reading List for Kids. She was most recently named the Literary Arts Honoree by the ArtCentre of Plano.
Parents, teachers, and librarians can also join Jones’ free online community, Joyful Noise, through her website at erikalynnejones.com.
The Neiman Marcus Welcome Center inside Willow Bend Center of the Arts is available for artists exhibits and is an initiative of NTPA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
North Texas Performing Arts is committed to acknowledging diversity and promoting equity and inclusion in all programs. The NTPA Governing Board of Directors, Management Boards, and NTPA Staff strive to create performing art spaces that are positive, safe and inclusive regardless of one’s race, creed, gender, religion, orientation, communication differences or abilities. We encourage our families and patrons to exhibit our “10 Characters” taught at NTPA including integrity, leadership, respect, and more importantly, to love one another.
About North Texas Performing Arts
North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the character of youth through quality performing arts education and family entertainment. Through theatrical productions, training programs, and community partnerships, NTPA serves thousands of young performers and families each year across North Texas.