Richard Wiggin Johnson retrospective runs through Oct. 31
A retrospective of the late artist Richard Wiggin Johnson is on exhibit at the Southport Memorial Library now through Oct. 31. Courtesy of Elizabeth Johnson
"David Shay Lower Bay, Bequia St Vincent & the Grenadines" - by Richard Wiggin Johnson. See this painting in the current retrospective at Southport Memorial Library now through Oct. 31. Courtesy of Elizabeth Johnson
A retrospective of the late artist Richard Wiggin Johnson is on exhibit at the Southport Memorial Library now through Oct. 31. Courtesy of Elizabeth Johnson
"David Shay Lower Bay, Bequia St Vincent & the Grenadines" - by Richard Wiggin Johnson. See this painting in the current retrospective at Southport Memorial Library now through Oct. 31. Courtesy of Elizabeth Johnson
Richard Wiggin Johnson, a long-time resident of Southport Island, was the first artist to exhibit his paintings at the Southport Memorial Library in 1999. The current retrospective exhibition of his work there will run throught Oct. 31.
One of Midcoast Maine’s top marine painters, his recognition traveled to many prestigious galleries over the years: Mystic Seaport for an International Exhibit “the largest and most respected exhibition of contemporary marine art held anywhere.” Richard’s “Outward Bound” painting submitted and chosen for that show will be on loan for this exhibit. Other gallriesand shows include a one-man show at The Copley Society in Boston, The Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, and many others.
Born in Philadelphia (1918-2005) Richard’s family relocated to Swampscott, Massachusetts. He attended Vesper School of Art after which he became a designer atb Towle Silversmiths in Newburyport, MA.
During WWII he served as a bomber pilot in the Mediterranean Theater (1943-45). He returned safely home to marry Ernestine Carver who was born and brought up on Vinalhaven Island, Maine after many generations. Richard and Ernestine raised their family on the North Shore of Boston. After working as an art director at a prominent advertising agency for 26 years, he decided to follow his deeply rooted desire to make a living as an artist in Maine.
The Johnson’s packed up their Massachusetts home and cruised up the Maine coast in their converted lobster boat Serenity settling on picturesque and historic Landing Road, Southport Island for over 30 years.
"Dick’s" studio, also his gallery, was where he worked in oils and acrylic, but was known for his prolific and outstanding use of watercolors.
Located at 1032 Hendricks Hill Road. the Library's winter hours are now in effect: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with additional evening hours on Thursday from 6 to 8. For more information, call the library at 633-2741.
Address
1032 Hendricks Hill Road
Southport, ME 04576
United States
