Our Team

Jeff Menzies, JAarts Director Business Owner: ”Menzies Instruments”

Jeff Menzies brings over two decades of international experience in arts education. He has taught at prestigious institutions, including the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU) in Toronto, The Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, and the University of Technology in Kingston, Jamaica. Jeff holds an MFA in Sculpture/Visual Arts from York University and an AOCAD diploma in Sculpture from OCADU.

Beyond his academic background, Jeff has studied under renowned banjo makers Wyatt Fawley, Mike Ramsey, and Clarke Buehling. Since 2005, he has been teaching "The Art of Gourd Banjo Making" workshops globally, blending visual artistry with musical craftsmanship. His handcrafted banjos, over 1,000 to date, are housed in institutions such as the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix and the Jamaica Music Museum (IOJ) in Kingston. His instruments have been played by legendary musicians, including Mike Seeger, Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons, and Tanya Stephens. Jeff is also an accomplished furniture designer, sculptor, and multi-instrumentalist, performing traditional American old-time music on banjo, fiddle, and double bass.

Morgan Menzies, JAarts Assistant Director Business Owner: ”MerMade in Jamaica”

Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Morgan Menzies is an artist and creative entrepreneur, whose work is deeply inspired by the sea and the natural beauty of the island. As the founder of MerMade in Jamaica, she transforms gifts from the sea—shells, driftwood, and other locally sourced materials—into stunning jewelry, hair accessories, and unique art pieces.

Her artistry reflects her deep connection to the Caribbean coastline, blending sustainability with craftsmanship to celebrate the raw elegance of nature. Morgan’s work not only preserves the spirit of Jamaica’s shores but also embodies a commitment to ethical, locally rooted creative practices.

At the Jamaica Center for the Arts (JAarts), Morgan brings her passion for art, community, and environmental consciousness, helping to shape a space where local and international artists can learn, collaborate, and grow. Whether she’s crafting intricate jewelry or curating creative experiences, her love for the sea and the vibrant culture of Jamaica is at the heart of everything she does.

Partnerships and Collaborations

JAarts actively collaborates with artists, educators, and institutions across the Caribbean and beyond. Notable partners include:

  • Dom Flemons “The American Songster” (Grammy-winning musician)

  • Kumar Bent (Reggae musician, Raging Fyah)

  • Michael Sean Harris (Musician, Assistant Professor, Berklee College of Music)

  • Herbie Miller (Director, Jamaica Music Museum)

  • Katie Dieter (Director of Advanced Studies and Community Engaged Learning, Department of African and African American Studies, Stanford University)

Board of Directors

  • Dr. Katie Dieter - Director of Advanced Studies & Community-Engaged Learning, Stanford University

  • Michael Sean Harris - Assistant Professor & Musician, Berklee College of Music

  • Jason Wedemeyer - Non-profit Management & Educator, Oregon AFSCME

  • Jeff Menzies - Musical Instrument Maker, Visual Artist & Educator, JAarts Director

  • Morgan Menzies - Artist & Arts Administrator, JAarts Assistant Director