What: Good Vibrations by Michele Johnsen
When: Friday, July 6 - Monday, July 30, 2018
Where: The Gallery at 42 Maple, 42 Maple Street, Bethlehem, NH
Cost: Free

On Friday, July 6, from 7-9pm, 42 Maple Contemporary Art Center presents the opening reception of 'Good Vibrations' installation pieces by regional artist, Michele Johnsen. Good Vibrations explores the idea of life-size, diorama-like environments that create a barrier signifying the longing to immerse oneself in the magical and mysterious nature of the landscape. Recent paintings refer to the mystery that exists beneath the surface of the natural world.

This exhibit is part of the free First Friday events in Bethlehem, which include Rek.Lis Brewing, The Maia Papaya, WREN, and other locations. In the spirit of community, everyone is invited to grab a First Friday Punchcard at WREN before visiting all opening receptions. Completed punch cards can be redeemed for a free order of chips and salsa at Rek.Lis Brewing.

Johnsen has spent a lifetime engaged in and devoted to the visual arts having begun drawing at a very young age. She took an oil painting class in her early twenties, but quickly began experimenting with a variety of craft mediums when her first son was born. She spent many years involved in textile crafts, then learned calligraphy, prompting a career in graphic design. She started doing simple commissions out of her home, but the business grew to a size that prompted the opening of "The Studio" in 1984, where she met the needs of clients in a breadth of design work as well as framing, sign painting and portrait commissions. Her primary medium at that time was colored pencil. Her proficiency earned her important commissions as well as inclusion in The Colored Pencil Society of America's group shows as well as three additions of The Best of Colored Pencil" by Rockport Publishers.

Johnsen received a BS in Art Education from Granite State College in 2002 and began a teaching career that same year. She is currently employed as a full time art educator at Colebrook Elementary and Colebrook Academy in Colebrook, NH. At the same time she spends much of her time creating acrylic landscapes inspired by her north country home as well as her travels to the west coast and Europe, developing a distinctive style over the past decade. Her work has been shown in galleries throughout the country.

Johnsen received a Master's of Fine Art from NH institute of Art in 2017 and will be presenting her most recent body of work, Good Vibrations, at 42 Maple during the opening reception on July 6th from 7 pm to 9 pm. If you are interested in learning more about the events at 42 Maple, please call 603-575-9077 or visit the website at www.42maple.org


Posted 6/29/18