Joel has been a resident of Ogden City for nearly two decades and works as an art teacher at NUAMES Early College High School. He received a BFA with a 2D emphasis in 2015 from Weber State University, exploring a multitude of mediums, including painting, printmaking, drawing and ceramics. Before attending Weber State, he joined the United States Marine Corps from 1999-2007 and was one of the first groups to mobilize to Iraq shortly after 9/11.
He loves to travel around the world and immerse himself in new cultures by experiencing the arts and food and building relationships with strangers, even if for a moment through conversations. From these experiences, he has always appreciated the sense of camaraderie within a community, whether it was with his band of brothers or the great people of Ogden he has come to know over the years. He can remember not so long ago, during his daily commutes passing the vacant lot where The Junction now stands, to most recently driving passing the Wonder Lot, thinking he needed to be involved in the continued growth of this wonderful city. Ogden has a rich history that he wants to be a part of.