GALE JOHANSEN

“I am a Seattle native, currently living and creating art full-time in Snohomish, Washington. After graduating from the Burnley School of Professional Art, I received a B.F.A. in Printmaking from the University of Washington. My art has been exhibited in solo and juried shows in the US and internationally over the last 30 years. I have shown at the Bellevue Art Museum, Lynnwood Arts Commission Gallery, Shoreline City Hall Gallery, Solovei Gallery, Lowell Artworks, Red Door Gallery, and the Schack Art Center.  

My unique sense of humor and singular view of the world are evident in my art. I create whimsical, brightly colored figures in humorous situations. I use bold colors, intricate patterns, and texture to entertain the viewer with a fresh perspective. The “stories” in my paintings and 3-dimensional pieces are populated with those around me — my Lakeland Terrier (Schuster) and my long-time sweetheart (Schulz), among them. There is a message to be gleaned from each piece — at times the title gives it away; other times the viewer must interpret the action for themselves. Each piece is unique and comes directly from my heart. As the 2017 Schack Art Center Artist of the Year, I had the honor of being a juror for the Schack 21st Juried Show in 2018.”

— Gale Johansen