The NDSU Department of Visual Arts has named Garth Johnson, studio artist, writer and educator, as the second artist in the newly formed Visiting Artist Series. Johnson will work with students and present two public lectures on Nov. 12-13 at the NDSU Renaissance Hall. Both lectures are free and open to the public.
The first public lecture is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, at 2:30 p.m. in Renaissance Hall, room 114. Titled "You Can Make A Living Doing That: An Inspirational Lecture," Johnson will discuss using recycled and already existing materials to create clever personal accessories to large-scale works of art. The lecture is based on his book "1,000 Ideas for Creative Reuse: Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew."
The second public lecture will be Friday, Nov. 13, at 10:30 a.m. in Renaissance Hall, room 114. Titled "Extreme Craft Roadshow," Johnson will discuss his blog located at www.extremecraft.com. His blog features cutting-edge artists and bizarre news from the art world. Recent posts cover “Sanitary Ware” sculpture, home improvements, "Project Runway" and an artist that explores body ornament as affliction.
Originally from Eureka, Calif., Johnson maintains his Web site, titled “Extreme Craft,” and he writes for CRAFT magazine. His writing also has been featured in museum catalogs and books worldwide. His artwork was featured in a solo show at Gallerie Maxim in Cologne, Germany, in August 2008. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Alfred University. He has taught at Georgia State University, Columbus State University and is teaching at College of the Redwoods.