Meet Michele Johnson

We are thrilled to introduce Michele Johnsen, who will be joining us in late summer as part of Graylag’s inaugural Artist in Residence cohort.

Michele has spent a lifetime immersed in the visual arts. She began drawing at a young age and took her first oil painting class in her early twenties. When her first son was born, Michele explored a wide range of craft mediums, eventually turning to textile arts and calligraphy—sparking a career in graphic design.

In 1984, she opened The Studio, where she provided custom design work, sign painting, framing, and portrait commissions. Her work in colored pencil earned her national recognition, including commissions and inclusion in the Colored Pencil Society of America’s exhibitions, as well as multiple volumes of The Best of Colored Pencil.

Michele holds a BS in Art Education from Granite State College and an MFA from the New Hampshire Institute of Art. After retiring from a career in art education, she now focuses fully on her studio practice, creating work that explores land, landscape, light, and the natural world beneath the surface. Her recent installation work addresses timely social issues.

Find out more about Michele’s work at michelejohnsen.com

Michele lives and works in Colebrook, NH, and we’re so excited to welcome her to Graylag this season. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!