About Joel

Joel Schoon-Tanis strives to view the world through a child-like lens—full of color, whimsy and honesty. His work helps others unlock a sense of child-like wonder about God’s world.

Joel is a celebrated painter who has shown his work around the United States—from Michigan to Florida to Colorado to Washington D.C. Joel has also shown his works as far away as Kenya, where he did an art show to raise money for the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife.

His murals can be found in many schools, churches and children’s hospitals, including in Kenya, Zambia, Palestine, and the exotic terrains of northern Wisconsin.

Recent painting highlights include working with a group of international artists in Leipzig, Germany, creating art on themes of social justice, painting on the separation wall in Bethlehem, Palestine, and having his art presented to the Pope.

As an illustrator, Joel has contributed to more than a dozen books. Most notably, he illustrated the New International Reader’s Version Kid’s Study Bible for Zondervan. He partnered with Jars of Clay lead singer, Dan Haseltine, for “The One, The Only, Magnificent Me!” and “Lulu and the Long Walk”. In recent years he has worked on a number of projects for the church, including “At God’s Table” (Calvin Press), “At Psalms School” (GIA), and his own art books “40: The Biblical Story” and “40: The Gospels.”

Joel loves to travel, read, and have adventures with his female-centric household. They live in Holland, Michigan.

You can learn more about Joel on Instagram @joel.schoon.tanis.art.