Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Johnson.
Michael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
What a great question. I was a shy artsy kid. For as long as I can remember, art was a big part of my everyday life. I took every art class I could growing up and still get excited by art supplies. So it’s not a surprise to anyone that I chose to pursue a career in the arts. What might be more surprising is how many times art has saved my life. It’s where I turn when I’m struggling with my mental health. It’s my first solution when I need to just relax.
Having organized many community art projects, I’ve also been able to witness the collective impact of art on community health. Art is so good for us and although it can be difficult to quantify just how good, there’s no denying that we would be worse off without it. For all of these reasons, I’ve decided to dedicate my life to ensuring more people have access to transformative creative experiences.
Skipping forward to today. I am proud to say that I get to lead the Northfield Arts Guild. Founded in 1959, the Guild is a community-driven outlet for creative expression. We serve people of all ages and abilities and are constantly exploring new ways to serve our community. It’s a joy to get to do this work alongside so many other passionate staff and volunteers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Pursuing your dreams is never easy. Yet it makes it even sweeter to be where I am today. I would tell my younger self to worry less about what other people think of you. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so just make art for yourself. No one goes into non-profit work for the money. No one pursues a life as an artist for the money either. I think people do it because there’s something inside them telling them that they just have to.
I got a degree in political science because I was fascinated by public service and improving people’s lives. I added a studio art major because it fed my soul and frankly I just needed to have art in my life. Choosing to listen to myself, to trust my instincts – that’s really how I think I have overcome self-doubt, family trauma, and all of the other typical stuff that gets in the way of success.
If I could do it all over again, I think I would. I do not make art every day but I do get to contemplate every day on how to add more opportunities for people to experience art. I believe art is a critical tool for bridging differences and during these really tense times, it’s even more important that we lean on art and creativity as a tool. The challenges will keep on coming but if we are intentional about cultivating the gifts in each of us as well as our communities, we will all be more connected and far better off.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love to paint. Recently I have also started to play more with collage. I’m also a writer and avid documentarian. No one in my life takes more photos or notes than me. Yet I have no idea what to do with all of the stuff in my archives. I am most proud of being a friend and relative to lots of people that I get to love. Life is short and I am trying to enjoy the hell out of the one I have been given. I think we are all different and the longer I live the more comfortable I am in my own skin.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was super shy but also very witty with those who I trusted. I was obsessed with reading about Presidents and First Ladies. I liked watching Survivor and The Office. My first CD was Avril Lavine’s Skaterboy. My first jobs were at a gas station and summer camp. What else is there to say!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaeljohnsonart.org
