About the Artist

Dean Roland Johnson

Artist Statement

I've been painting with passion since childhood. While my professional journey has taken many paths, the common thread has been all things Visual. At this stage of my life I am fully committed to Art whether creating it or sharing my Passion for it with others.

Biography

Dean's early years were spent in the Midwest where he graduated with distinction from Cornell College, IA. He then received a fellowship from Pratt Institute where he graduated with an MFA in painting and art history. After Pratt he taught painting, drawing, design and art appreciation in college for several years. During that period he exhibited his work and received several museum purchase awards in regional and national competitions.

After teaching, Dean went on to forecast design and color trends at Armstrong World Industries and later led commercial textile development at Chatham Manufacturing, NC. Then as a partner in a North Carolina based textile marketing firm he developed and marketed products for four textile mills. He has owned and restored several historic properties, most recently an 1882 Diamond Collection Victorian inn in Norfolk, CT.

In 2017 Dean and his wife Jean Marie relocated to Winston-Salem, NC, where he is committed to painting and enjoying life in North Carolina. He is a founding member of Artfolios and frequently exhibits his work locally. This March Dean's painting “Magical” was given the Juror's Choice award at the Associated Artists' competition at the Elberson Gallery at Salem College. Currently several of his paintings are on display at the Winston-Salem Central Library during September and October. Dean's next project is creating works for his one person show at the Elberson in January and February.