art exhibitions

It's Good to Have Friends

Hi there. How are you? 

Being an artist can be an isolating experience. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my solo time in the studio, but it’s also important for me to have interactions with other likeminded artists. That’s why I love Thursdays.

For almost 4 years now, I meet with my artist pals over breakfast every Thursday at Cristaudo’s in downtown Carbondale. We always sit at the same table. We eat, we talk, we brainstorm and strategize. It’s not all shop talk, but if I have a design, business, or creative question, this is the time to ask it. I look forward to this time each week. Actually, I think all four of us do.

See

We took over.

Cristaudo’s holds monthly art exhibitions and a while back, it was suggested that the Thursday breakfast crew should do our own show there. We all were up for it and now, it’s hung!

“Hey! That’s our Table!” features new work by Emily Kircher, Karen Fiorino, Heather Smith and me! Emily is showing her recycled collage art, Karen created a new series of ceramic platters, and Heather has mixed media collage on display. I completed my "Ebb & Flow" series and it’s all framed up and included in this show.

Here’s a taste of the show:

Emily Kircher, (EKRA) created a series of recycled paper collages on canvas.

Emily Kircher, (EKRA) created a series of recycled paper collages on canvas.

Karen Fiorino (Clay Lick Pottery) made a new collection of ceramic platers for the show.

Karen Fiorino (Clay Lick Pottery) made a new collection of ceramic platers for the show.

Heather Smith (Merchop) is exhibiting her mixed media collages. (This is my fave!)

Heather Smith (Merchop) is exhibiting her mixed media collages. (This is my fave!)

My Ebb & Flow drawing series is finished, framed an on display at Cristaudos.

My Ebb & Flow drawing series is finished, framed an on display at Cristaudos.

I don’t think I would have created this new body of original work if I didn’t have that push from my friends and an occasion to make it. I owe Heather, Karen and Emily a big huge thank you!

When you hang the work of four very different artists who created the pieces totally independently of one another, there’s a worry that it’s not going to mesh when it’s all hung together. That is certainly not the case! I am so proud of our exhibition and so glad that Heather gave us the push to do this.

The work is on display now until April 28. You can stop by anytime Cristaudo’s is open to view and/or purchase. (Most of the pieces in the show are for sale.)

Are you local? Come to our “Opening!”

We're having an "opening" reception this Friday, April 12 from 7-9. There will be finger food and a cash bar. (Yep, Cristaudo’s has a liquor license now!)

We hope you will come and support our artistic endeavors. Just don't sit at our table!

Get Out and See Some Art this Weekend!

Hi there. How are you?

I was asked to exhibit my work at the Carbondale Public Library this month. (Did I mention that I now work at the Library?) Yep, I'm the new Teen and Youth Program Coordinator there. I spend each morning at home in my studio and then spend the afternoons at the Library. Love it!

So back to my exhibition.... A collection of my my current mixed-media works are on display in the Library. All pieces are for sale and a portion of the proceeds go to the Library. If you're local, hope you can stop by and take a look! If you can't, well here's a little look into the show.

johansson-library-exhibition.jpg

Paducah + Bricolage = Fab Day Trip

Bricolage Art Collective is a fabulous art gallery/shoppe, in the heart of downtown Paducah. I'm happy to report that you will now find a collection of my original work, embroidery hoop prints, pillows, and cards there.

Though Bricolage has been open for some time now, they are having their official grand opening on Saturday. Let me tell you, Bricolage is beautiful! They have curated a lovely collection of local and regional artist's work, Paducah centric gift items, and vinyl records in a gorgeous space.

Friends, if you have never been to Paducah, it's worth checking out. The downtown/Lower Town Arts District has a great mix of shops and restaurants, an art house cinema, and galleries. There is also a fab new brewery about 10 minutes from downtown. Paducah makes a great day trip from Southern Illinois! (Can you tell I love Paducah?)


Well, that's it for now.

But do expect to hear more from me soon! Ta-ta. Oh, and one last thing, if you'd like to be the first to hear about what's going on in the world, do join my mailing list!