March 15, 2022
Dean Johnson: The Artist and His Apprentice will be on display at Suffolk County Community College's Lyceum Gallery on the Eastern Campus from March 14th to April 11th. A public artist reception will be held on Thursday, March 31 from 4 to 6 p.m.
From the age of seven, Dean Johnson began creating works with the help of his father, an artist and art dealer. Seduced by the potential of his art, Dean went on to study art and Russian literature at the New York Institute of Technology. After two years in college, Dean decided to devote himself to his art.
“I used to paint color wheels in art classes, but I was painting huge canvases at home and they were selling more and more,” Johnson said.
At the age of 21, Dean established the Stricoff Gallery in SOHO and created his first solo exhibition. Today, Dean's work is shown in galleries in Florida, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. His work is in many private collections in the United States and in international collections in Russia, Africa and the Caribbean.
Dean Johnson provided a fertile creative environment for his would-be apprentices, Michael and Brian Dodero of East Islip, two recent art school graduates. They have immersed themselves in Johnson's artistic enthusiasm, a myriad of materials and electronic creation tools. Johnson has supported their vision with his exceptional craftsmanship and “the sky's the limit” energy.
Johnson's work will be displayed alongside that of his two protégés in the Suffolk County Community College High School Gallery. Among other things, Johnson will exhibit his 48-by-48-inch portrait of Marylyn Monroe, a plexi-glass, resin, paint and digital work that illuminates and changes color. Other works on display that demonstrate Dean's extensive skill include The Kneeler, a 48 x 48 inch geometric abstraction in paint and resin on canvas;
Michael Dondero will show his 36 x 36 in. acrylic and ink portrait titled Nate. Bryan Dondero will exhibit his 48 x 36 inch resin and blanket work, Coral Reef
Gallery hours are:
Monday – Thursday 10 am – 7 p.m
Friday 10 am – 4 p.m
Saturday 11 am – 4 p.m
The gallery is closed on Sundays and holidays, (Spring Break exceptions: closed evenings after 4pm on 3/21 – 3/25. Closed on 3/26).
This press release was created by Suffolk County Community College. The views expressed here are the author's own.
