Philosopher George Santayana once said, "The family is one of nature's masterpieces." The Jones family would undoubtedly have inspired his profound insight if he'd lived in modern-day Boerne. Through the Jones CHRISTmas Ranch experience, Mike, Mandy, Micah, and Mykala have entertained families from all over and have built memories that could only come from the imagination of the Jones family.
The Joneses are well-known in the Boerne community for their eponymous Jones CHRISTmas Ranch. The popular drive-through attraction featuring millions of synchronized lights has become an annual tradition for many families during the holiday season.
This family-run endeavor has had an incredibly profound impact on their youngest, too. A random encounter with another student artist at a theater camp sparked Mykala to explore her own skills. As she began her daily discipline of sketching and studying the work of other artists, she established her style.
Jones further discovered her artistic voice during the COVID-19 pandemic. "While I was locked in the house for two years, I drew every day and loved it," she explains. "I wasn't all that great when I started; I couldn't draw anything. Others were so much better than me." She also received encouragement from teachers at school. "When I got to middle school," Jones recalls, "Mrs. Cowen inspired me to get into art more. After I started high school, my art teacher, Ms. Conley, has been an incredible support for me."
Like so many artists, her early work drew from what she observed in the work of others. She considers local artist Kristy McNelly an inspiration. Jones's humility helped her find confidence in her unique artistic vision. Describing her journey, she expounds, "I thought they were much better than me, and mine doesn't look like that. But then I found my style and didn't compare myself to others anymore."
Now, at 18 years old, Jones works primarily in oils and pencils and has earned recognition locally and globally. In January 2023, she received a Gold Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards from the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. As a state medalist for three years running, she received the Memorial Scholarship Award, the only scholarship BASE founder Dr. Jen Henderson has given. Jones also received a $10,000 scholarship at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo's art competition.
Inspired by the Dickensian theme in downtown Boerne during the holidays, Mykala designed the image for the cover of this month's issue of Boerne Lifestyle. You may also find her artwork throughout the community, on cards available for purchase at the Jones Christmas Ranch attraction, and on their website.
When asked about life after high school, Mykala said that—like most of her peers—she intends to attend college. "I plan to use my scholarship money to study and do art," she explains. "I don't know what college yet, but I will definitely study art. My parents are very supportive, and I want to keep growing, getting my work into different places, and seeing how far I can go."
However, she plans to stay near home, expressing her desire to remain in the Boerne area. Like her parents before her, Mykala likes the idea of working with her older brother, Micah. He is currently studying game design, and the two have already collaborated on projects. "My brother codes and writes music," said Jones. "I will draw or sketch out the images, and he will add animation to the games he designs."
In his book The Four Loves, writer, scholar, and theologian C.S. Lewis noted that art—along with philosophy and friendship—“has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that gives value to survival.” Art gives us a means of expressing what we cannot put into words and reflecting on the world around us. It can stir emotions, be provocative, and give us insight into our humanity. Young artists like Mykala inspire all of us to tap into our creative voices.
In a short time, Mykala has established herself as a legitimate artist, which goes a long way toward encouraging others to believe it could be possible for them. Jones's story illustrates what's possible with a supportive family and community. She also reminds us that one can never be too young to discover and pursue their passion. Supporting young artists like Mykala is crucial for the development and vitality of our arts community and all of us.
So, this holiday season, while you're meandering through the streets of Boerne, taking in the holiday decorations and festivities, don't be surprised if you see Mykala’s work all around. You may be simply picking up a bottle at DeVinos when your eyes are drawn to the artwork on display. You might be with your family for your annual trek through the Jones CHRISTmas Ranch, or you might happen upon the artist herself, displaying her work outside of Jac's Personal Touch on Main Street.
Wherever you come across the Jones family, you will never forget Mike, Mandy, Micah, and Mykala's commitment to each other and their collaboration, offering the Boerne community images and experiences to celebrate the holiday season this year and for many years to come.
Most of us spend our entire lives searching for our true passion. For Mykala Jones, laser-focused devotion to art came at a young age. Her artistic ventures include theater, writing, and art. But it is to her art that she commits her energies.
Highlights:
- When she was twelve, Jones crossed paths with an artist who would spark her interest. "I was at a theater camp and met this girl," she recounts. "She would bring her sketchbook, and I thought that was awesome. I wanted to be able to do that."
- You'll find Jones's artwork on the walls of DeVino Cellars, with a wall dedicated to exhibiting and selling her work.
- Her original drawing "Christmas at the Square" debuts on the cover of this issue.
Facebook: Mykala Jones Studios
Instagram: @mykalajonesstudios
For 16 years, the Jones family has given the Boerne community one of the country's most impressive and extensive Christmas light displays. ABC featured the Jones CHRISTmas Ranch attraction in season seven of the network's Great Christmas Light Fight.
The Details:
- 3.5 million lights
- over 15 miles of extension cords
- over 50 computer control boxes
- eight electric services
- Over 1000 light-up display items
The ranch is open every night through December 31.
thejoneschristmasranch.com | 210-885-0006 | 43360 I-10 W