Joanna Marie (Springer) Hanna was born September 16, 1949 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Glenn Dale Springer and Juliana Martha (Hagan) Springer. She has one younger brother, Garth David Springer. Her parents and brother still reside in the Lancaster area.

Joanna attended St.Anne's Parochial (grades 1 thru 8) and graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School in 1967.

Encouraged by her High School Art Instructor, Sister Marita Crucis IHM, to persue art education, Joanna attended The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore Maryland. She received a B.A. degree in Art Education with a minor in Photography and Fine Art, graduating in 1971.

Summers between college semesters were spent teaching art in a summer recreational program sponsored by Manheim Township School District. She also worked in local theatre with her cousin Bill Springer. From 1969 to 1971 she used her talents both onstage and off, providing original artwork for posters and advertising; helping to create set pieces for some of the shows and appearing in several of the productions. Her onstage appearances included portraying one of the 'Urchins' in the musical "The Roar Of The Greasepaint... and the role of 'Marie' in "Come Back, Little Sheba."

In 1976 the Hannas moved to Eureka Springs Arkansas where they opened their own gallery and craft shop called "Wood And Thread," which featured Shan's cabinetry and Joanna's all-media art work.

Today Joanna's work is inspired by her children (her best work) and all of their friends with whom she shared many hours of arts and crafts. In turn, she learned a lot about creativity and imagination from them - a totally unexpected (but greatly appreciated) reward for her efforts.

She has also been aided by her husband who helps make her wooden "ideas" a reality. While helping Shan with his crafting of furniture from oak, cherry and walnut, Joanna found her favorite "canvas" in these various Ozark native hardwoods in his shop. Together, they have collaborated on art pieces as well as cabinetmaking, all of which culminated in the creation of Hanna Cabinets, a business which they have run together since 1978.

The Hannas have lived and worked in Eureka Springs, Arkansas since moving there in 1976.

Shan and Joanna have 2 children, Valerie Estella and Michelle Bethann. Valerie is married to Stuart Epley and is (as of this writing) a student at the University of Arkansas pursuing a degree in elementary education. Michelle is attending the University of Central Arkansas where she is studying physical therapy.