Since 1987, José has held around sixteen solo exhibitions, including ten with William Mora Galleries.

During 1985 and 1986 she contributed distinctive logos and poster designs for the Australian Anarchist Centenary Celebrations held in Melbourne around 1 May 1986.

It was one of the earliest examples of an indigenous artist embracing digital and computer animation for their art.

It is a triennial, non-acquisitive art award and is a joint initiative of the Ellen José Memorial Foundation and Bayside City Council to promote young female artists (18–35 years) during a critical time in their career.

[16] The 2022 joint winners of the Ellen José Art Award for Young Women were Moorina Bonini and Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson.