Joan Cox

Joan Cox is a Baltimore-based figurative painter, creative director, and graphic designer with more than 30 years of experience in the arts and visual communications industry. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting from Towson University, where she graduated as valedictorian, and later earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Her artistic practice focuses on intimate, narrative portraiture that highlights lesbian identities and LGBTQ+ experiences, creating work that reflects visibility, belonging, and the importance of representation. Throughout her career, Joan has combined her passion for fine art with expertise in branding, design, and visual storytelling. As Art Director at T. Rowe Price and Chief Creative Officer of Peacox Design, she has developed impactful brand identities, marketing materials, and creative solutions for organizations across industries including finance, cybersecurity, nonprofit, agriculture, fashion, tourism, and LGBTQ+ communities. Her artwork has received significant recognition, including being named a Women United Art Prize winner, a Visual Arts Association Top 100 international artist, and a Not Real Art Grant recipient. One of her most notable achievements was being selected for Baltimore’s Arts in Transit program, where two of her paintings were featured on a city bus during Pride Month. Beyond her creative work, Joan is a dedicated LGBTQ+ community leader and advocate. She was instrumental in founding the Maryland LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, serving as Board President and later contributing through marketing, communications, and leadership roles. She continues to support LGBTQ+ organizations and artistic communities through her involvement with the Maryland LGBTQ+ Foundation, the Bureau of Queer Art, and other creative networks. Through her paintings, advocacy, and mentorship, Joan continues to champion authenticity, representation, and the power of art to connect people and tell meaningful stories.