Sunday, April 10, 2016

In Memory of Terre Johnson--long live his Legacy

To the man who was my neighbor, my friend, my landlord, my art patron, my community comrade and business leader, our Oak Park advocate and executive director - and so much more - Terre Johnson will always be remembered for the life he lived and the lives he touched. What a legacy to leave and what a life to celebrate. I will always remember you always Terre Johnson and be forever grateful to you.

My heart longed to set up my studio in Oak Park and this beautiful building belonging to Terre and Michael was the perfect place. In 2012, they gave me the keys and we began to prepare the place to become the Patris Studio and Art Gallery.

On a hot 2nd Saturday in July of 2012, we held the grand opening of  Patris Studio and Gallery in Oak Park with a huge celebration and open house. 


At the gallery, there are many special events as well as all of the day to day art happenings.  One special event that Terre organized brought us Mayor Kevin Johnson, Jay Schenirer, and a very important VIP from Washington DC. 

So it's with most grateful heart and thankfulness that I will always remember Terre Johnson for giving me an opportunity to make my dream come true--to create a thriving, vibrant art center here in Oak Park and have a studio where I can continue to grow, learn, and develop my art skills.
Thank you Terre Johnson and Michael Luna. 

"Outside the Studio Door" oil on canvas by Patris