Artist Reception: Beth Johnston

This February, we are pleased to host, Narrative Canvases: Stories In Wax, an exhibit of beeswax, oil paint, and mixed media works by Beth Johnston. View the exhibit on display on the 1st & 2nd Floors from Thurs. 2/1 through Wed. 2/28.

The public is also invited to join the artist for a reception in the Community Room on Sat. 2/24 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. The artist will display some of the tools used to create her Encaustic (beeswax) paintings and will have many smaller, affordable paintings available for purchase.

Artist Statement:

“You know that onion metaphor? ‘Onions have layers. Ogres have layers.’ As Shrek once said, each layer revealing, or hiding, what is at its core. Creating a painting with wax is like that metaphor. The media and my process allow me to convey a concept, theme, or message using multiple layers of wax, oil paint, ephemera, and other materials embedded in the layers of a painting. 

My encaustic and abstract paintings are personal responses to events, movement, music, color, nature or atmosphere.  I will observe closely, but also look beyond the obvious, to capture the essence of an experience. The goal is to express the feelings or memories that linger after that experience. I first choose the media, colors, and textures that will best capture the intent of each painting. The layers of wax that are built up in encaustic paintings are wonderful for telling stories. I find oil paint, mixed with a softened beeswax, works best to capture a feeling in abstract paintings. 

Studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, the Cape School of Art, and workshops with contemporary masters have laid the foundation, helped to define my style, and open me up to less traditional media. My work has been exhibited in galleries around New England and collected by patrons around the country.”—Beth Johnston

For inquiries regarding purchases or more information:

Call: (401)633-2463

Email: Beth@BethJohnstonArt.com