Maxine Johnson
I have always been an artist. All children are artists until
someone tells them they really aren’t that good.
I remember a Christmas gift that I was simply thrilled with.
I must have been seven or so….It was a large flat box full of Art supplies.
Paints, brushes, paper, pencils, erasers, crayons, a ruler….lovely things.
My very first Art Classes were at the National Music Camp in
Interlochen, Michigan. I have also studied at Oakland Community College and the
Pontiac Art Center. I have studied privately with Edythe Newbourne, Professor Ju
of the Washington and Lee University of Virginia. Also with Frederick Wong of
New York and Chen Chee, and many others.
I have traveled to China four times. Two of these trips were to study painting
with Professor Ju and many old masters the Universities and Art Centers there.
This was of great interest to me.
I have taught Chinese Brush Painting on Rice Paper at the
Pontiac Art Center and for years at the Birmingham Community House. I have given
classes for an inner city school in Pontiac and many Adult Education classes for
surrounding communities. Once I gave a series of classes for a Group Home thru-
the Pontiac Art Center…..I always learn a lot more than they do.
Being an artist is not something that ever goes out of style.
Nor anything that can only be done in your youth.
I love being an artist and I hope to be one all of my life.
Maxine was born on the fourth of July
near Traverse City, Michigan.
