“Being in an MGCCC family meant I qualified for the college’s tuition waiver for employees’ dependents,” Jones said. “But I also practically grew up at the college and attended summer camps there. I knew many of the staff and faculty and was very comfortable by the time I enrolled.”
While studying theatre at MGCCC, Jones quickly became involved in campus life. Some of his most meaningful memories were the friendships he formed along the way.
“I’ll always remember the time I spent with friends between and after classes,” he said. “We went to football games just to see the band, watched movies in the dorms, hung out in the library, and traveled for theatre productions. Those friends helped me come out of my shell and become a better person.”
Jones later continued his theatre studies at The University of Southern Mississippi, where he expanded the creative and technical skills that would eventually shape his professional career. While studying scenic art at MGCCC, he learned carpentry, tool safety, and construction techniques that he still uses today.
“While it may not be as visible as the paper mâché sculptures or paint work, I use basic carpentry and tool skills regularly on armatures, reinforcements, and repairs,” he said. “Many of the skills used in theatre scenic art translate directly to creating Mardi Gras art.”
Today, Jones works as an artist with Mirth Artists in Mobile, Alabama, where he helps create the elaborate floats featured in the city’s world-famous Mardi Gras parades. He joined the company in October 2022 after submitting his portfolio to owner Ben Kaiser.
For most of the year, Jones focuses on sculpting. His work includes creating figurines, building decorative props, and constructing sculptural elements directly onto floats. In many cases, he leads the sculpting process for a float, turning a designer’s concept into a finished structure.
As parade season approaches, his work shifts from sculpting to painting. Using pneumatic spray equipment and detailed brushwork, he helps bring the floats to life with vibrant colors and shading.
“I want to emphasize that this is an extremely collaborative art form,” Jones said. “We work as a team to bring it all together into something increbile.”
One of his favorite recent projects was a Kentucky Derby–themed float created for the Infant Mystics Mardi Gras society. Jones sculpted the float’s decorative props, painted the cloud base, and transformed an existing Pegasus figurehead into a racehorse complete with a newly built jockey.
“It took about two and a half days to paint, and I’m very proud of how it turned out,” he said. “There’s something special about seeing something that didn’t exist a few days before come to life because of your work.”
Jones lives in Mobile with his fiancé, fellow MGCCC alum Lilith O. Peckens.The couple first met while attending school in the Stone County School District and later relocated to Mobile after Peckens enrolled at the University of South Alabama.
While Jones works as a visual artist, Peckens is a writer and poet who creates zines and offers “poetry on demand.” Together, they have found a supportive creative community in Mobile.
“Mobile has a wonderful arts community,” Jones said. “We’ve built friendships, found support, and continue to grow our creative careers. I wouldn’t be where I am without Lily.”
Looking back, Jones encourages current MGCCC students to take advantage of opportunities while staying focused on their goals.
“Take opportunities and make opportunities,” he said. “But be decisive about what you want to do.”
As Mardi Gras revelers watch floats roll through Mobile each year, Jones hopes they pause to appreciate the artistry behind the spectacle.
“It takes a lot of work to make something look effortless,” he said. “Our team works almost year-round to create these floats, and I hope people appreciate the scale and craftsmanship that goes into them.”
