September 2011-- Marty Johnson, Artist

We are absolutely thrilled that Marty Johnson is once again exhibiting his body of work. A retrospective collection of 120 works is currently on exhibit at the Richmond Visual Arts Center's True F. Luck Gallery from September 2 through October 16, 2011. He has been a working artist for more than 30 years creating 2-d and 3-d at a prolific rate. Marty uses found objects, consumer debris and recycled art to create his works which tell a story-- about the world and the space we all occupy. Seeing the exhibit is both fun and energizing. Moving from room to room adds a buzz & sizzle-- kinda like fireworks at the end of a baseball game. We cannot help smiling and nodding our heads in agreement as we look at each piece. The cutest are the miniature assemblages of FOR sculptures-- piles and piles of FORS. Marty makes FORS while he thinks of starting other works, twisting any kind of metal wire in one hand-- sometimes behind his back--always doing, always making.

Marty is not an emerging artist. His work was acquired early in his career by Contemporary Art collectors Herbert and Dorothy Vogel and others. After a stellar presence in New York, Marty became established in Richmond where he and his wife, artist Valerie Hardy live and Marty has ForInstance Gallery-- a working studio and personal museum. Marty's work is also part of Pam and Bill Royalls' private collection at Try-Me Gallery. We celebrate Marty's talent. We are biased--keep your eye on this guy.