Art Exhibit: COSMOSIS - "When Artists Speak: Inside The Artist's Studio" (meet the artist presentation)

Celebrated Artist Al Johnson Speaks About the Creative Process
at "COSMOSIS" Exhibition's "When Artists Speak: Inside The Artist's Studio" meet-the-artist and gallery tour event.

Wed, May 14 6-8 p.m. at The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC

Show Closing Reception Scheduled for Wed, May 21 6-8 p.m.

The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery at South Orange
Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will present acclaimed visual artist Al Johnson in a talk about the creative process on Wed,
May 14 6-8 p.m. Johnson’s one-man mixed media exhibition COSMOSIS is
currently on display at the Gallery at 1 Sopac Way in South Orange, NJ 07079 through
May 31, 2014, where the talk will take place. Guests will have the
opportunity to speak with Johnson about his art during the event.

The exhibition’s closing reception is
scheduled for Wed, May 21, 6-8 p.m. The public is invited to both of
these free events, and refreshments will be served at the closing
reception.

SOPAC has hosted only one
other one-man show since it opened its doors in 2006. The Herb & Milly
Iris Gallery is open to the public Mon.-Fri., noon to 6 p.m., and the
exhibition can also be viewed online at http://www.itisagas.com/EXHIBITIONSATSOPAC/CosmosisAlJohnson/.

About COSMOSIS

The
COSMOSIS exhibition, curated by Micha Hamilton, features the richly layered
and boldly colored INTERPRETIZM paintings of internationally celebrated
artist Al Johnson. An exceptional colorist, Johnson creates art that is
inspirational to the spirit. When you look once you will want to look again.
INTERPRETIZM is his invitation to think new thoughts about what art can be,
and allows for individual understanding that transcends any restrictions and
expectations in what is seen.

Influenced
by artists like Cornell, Klee, Klimt, Pollock, Rothko, Schwitters and Romare
Bearden, Al Johnson’s creative universe seamlessly blends the styles and
techniques of classical and contemporary art into a powerful and ecstatic
vision of spiritually-charged works. Filtered through the prism of his
remarkable individuality, the viewer is invited to think new thoughts about
what art can be.

While
formally trained in the techniques of the Great Masters, Al Johnson's art,
brings together many influences while celebrating individuality. Johnson
honed these skills, while attending famed institutions such as Pratt
Institute, the Albert Pale School of Commercial Arts and the Arts Student
League. Johnson a mixed media artist, illustrator, educator and mentor whose
portfolio includes the commissioned portrait of Congresswoman Shirley
Chisholm, permanently installed in Brooklyn Borough Hall, in New York City.

Called
“The Artist” since his youth, Johnson has exhibited in many corners of the
world including the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum in Japan, the Guangzhou
International Art Fair in China and New York City in a juried exhibition
curated by Jordan Kantor, during his tenure as Assistant Curator at the
Museum of Modern Art. He is presently on exhibition at the Artcurian Artists
Speaking for the Spirit Group Exhibition, consisting of some of the most
revered artists of African ancestry.

Al
Johnson’s art is inspirational to the spirit. As the artist says, “A part of
my life is based on dreams. I dream of things that are unseen. I create these
dreams and bring them to life.” For more information on Al Johnson Art, visit
www.aljohnsonartstudio.com

Some
of the artwork in this exhibition is available for sale. To purchase the
artwork on display at The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery, please contact the
SOPAC Development Department by phone at 973-382-1033 or by email at development@SOPACnow.org.
Partial proceeds benefit SOPAC.

Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing
arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural
experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The
multidisciplinary arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community
events and education programs for all ages. 
To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the
Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC—a series featuring
upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory.  SOPAC is also a home for Seton Hall
University Arts Council’s performances, including Classical Concert Series,
Jazz N’ the Hall performances and Seton Hall Theatre productions.  SOPAC also presents performances by its
theater company in residence, Midtown Direct Rep, and its dance company in
residence, Lydia Johnson Dance.  For
more information, visit SOPACnow.org