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By Michael Betty Eye of the Hurricane
Joshua Johnson’s artwork, which can be found in the halls and grounds of Frederick Douglass Academy, has found a new venue.
Through Jan. 9, the Douglass senior has 12 pieces on display in the Lester P. Monts Hall at the University of Michigan Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.
The exhibition was made possible by Julie Taylor, an associate professor at U-M Dearborn’s education department and volunteer coordinator of the History, Art, and Culture Program at Douglass.
“Dr. Julie Taylor saw my artwork through two art competitions [in the culture club] that I won first place for,” Johnson said. “The competitions were held by Dr. Taylor and the history and arts program. From there she asked me to bring in some of my artwork so she could show them to the department heads. Then the University of Michigan art department wanted to put them on display.”
The Frederick Douglass culture club held a field trip to view his showcased work Dec. 15.
“It is a very humbling experience for me because I mostly draw just for enjoyment,” Johnson said, “but being recognized for doing something you love makes me feel like I’m doing something right in the world.”
Largely self-taught, Johnson says he has been drawing since he was 6. He now specializes in sketches and paintings of people and figures.
“My only art class was at Taft middle school, where I spent time learning how to identify detailed images and the concept of abstract art. I don’t feel like I am a classic artist because in my art class I didn’t really understand what she was teaching, I was more focused on getting to my regular pencil drawings,” Johnson said.
He has created multiple art projects for Frederick Douglass, including a mural depicting Detroit emerging from fire into a beautiful city. He also painted a decorative compost barrel for the school’s garden that was featured on television with Sen. Debbie Stabenow visited the school earlier this year.
Despite his acclaim, Johnson remains steadfast in his plan to join the military after graduation. He says he doesn’t want to take out college loans and graduate with debt. He intendeds to use savings and veteran benefits from his military service to pay for college.
“I would rather pay as I go through school instead of taking out student loans if I go to college right after high school,” Johnson said.
He says he doesn’t expect to find “a lot of fields for art” in the military.
Still, he said, “When I join the military, I plan to still draw.”
