Stan Johnson (1907-1995), the legendary Art Director and fine artist, will be honored by the Art Directors GuildGallery 800 (ADG, IATSE Local 800) in a special exhibit entitled “Let Shape Color Form: A Tribute to Stan Johnson.” Johnson was an architectural and motion picture draftsman, illustrator, actor, and an Art Director for 20th Century Fox for more than 25 years. The exhibit opens with a hosted reception on Saturday, April 6th from 5 – 9pm and will run through June 8, 2019.
Stan Johnson’s art direction in the film industry was evident in many TV productions and motion pictures that included the popular Peyton Place for two years, the TV series Land of the Giants and the film feature Daddy‘s Gone A-Hunting. He began his long prestigious art career as a draftsman and architect, working on some of Los Angeles’ most significant proposed remodels including the Ambassador Hotel, The Beverly Hilton Hotel, Prudential Building and the LA Times building. He had a reputation for his impressive ability to draw and paint in perspective, which is also apparent in his expressionism work.
Johnson said of his fine art, “To me painting should be fun plus hard work. When starting a painting, I like to approach it with an abstract viewpoint, without restrictions, letting shape, form and color dictate or suggest the subject, which seems to be influenced by background and environment — in my case — architecture and motion pictures.”
Johnson worked in watercolor, acrylic and oil and won many awards in juried shows throughout the country, especially in his watercolors. He died in 1995 at the age of 88.
Gallery 800 Future Exhibits Include (subject to change):
- Fantastic Voyage *A Sci-Fi/ Fantasy Themed Group Show (June 29 – Sept. 7, 2019)
- Art Unites 13 (Oct. 5 – Dec. 14, 2019)
Gallery 800, located in the heart of the Noho Arts District, showcases Guild members’ personal artwork in a series of shows throughout the year. These talented artists are leading art department professionals, who, through a combination of observation, passion and imagination, bring the writer's words and the director's vision to life in television and film. When not working as integral creative members of the entertainment community, they contribute to the fine art scene with their personal artwork. Since Gallery 800 opened its doors in March 2009, more than 900 ADG members have shown their artwork in the ongoing exhibitions.
The exhibit organizers are Abra Brayman, Curator; Michael Denering, Fine Arts Committee Chair, and Jackie Thompson, Gallery 800 Staff Coordinator. Gallery 800, located at 5108 Lankershim Blvd. at the Historic Lankershim Arts Center in the heart of North Hollywood, is open Thursday – Friday: 12 – 8pm; Saturday 2 – 8 pm; Sunday 14 – 6pm.
About THE ART DIRECTORS GUILD
Established in 1937, the Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800) represents 2,700 members who work throughout the world in film, television and theater as Art Directors; Set Designers and Model Makers; Illustrators and Matte Artists; and Scenic Title and Graphic Artists. The ADG’s ongoing activities include a Film Society screening series, annual “Excellence in Production Design Awards” gala, bimonthly craft magazine (PERSPECTIVE), figure drawing and other creative workshops, extensive technology and craft training programs and year-round Gallery 800 art exhibitions. For the Guild’s online directory and website resources, go to www.adg.org.
