Camp Fire An Artists’ Christmas celebrates 31 years of art and elegance on Saturday, November 14, 2015. An eclectic collection of works donated by regionally recognized artists will inspire creativity as you peruse the more than 80 pieces up for auction. While art is the main attraction, this exciting evening also features a gourmet dinner, dancing, luxury packages and prizes, and much more. The event provides an opportunity for patrons to socialize and expand their collection all while supporting our community’s youth.
Jerry Johnston is an artist driven by wanderlust and a desire to give back. Through his work, he is able to expose his audience to a world outside of their own – a world created from the memories of Jerry’s own travels.
From the moment Jerry picked up a watercolor set to paint his wife Melinda’s orchid collection, he knew he had found a new journey to embark on. The former account executive for an advertising business had turned into an artist. Whether it be music, art or poetry, Jerry is not satisfied unless he is creating something.
“Living life without art would be pretty miserable for me,” Jerry said. “It wouldn’t be much of a life.”
Jerry lives life like a true expeditionary, always looking to the next adventure. On his latest trip to Tuscany, Jerry and his wife decided to explore the Tuscan hills. While looking for a place to eat, they stumbled across a town called Vinci – the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci.
“We found ourselves looking out over the same fields, the same ancient Tuscan village that Leonardo da Vinci saw growing up as a child. It was amazing. There are a lot of things that move different people – but for me it is art and music.”
It is those experiences – along with his desire to give and support from his wife – that keeps Jerry inspired to produce work that will live on long after his time.
Along with being an ‘art traveler’, Jerry considers himself to be a life-long learner. His life motto is “You stop learning, you start dying”. At every opportunity, Jerry is soaking in as much knowledge as possible. When he travels, he visits as many art museums as possible – soaking in the style, culture and history. As for ‘traditional’ learning, Jerry is no stranger to the classroom. After falling in love with a class taught by Jim Woodsen at Texas Christian University, Jerry decided to take the class again (five semesters of the same class, to be exact). He hopes the passion he has for traveling and learning will find itself in the hearts of today’s youth.
“It’s important for children to know that there is more out there. Art is about spirit. It’s about soul. It’s about finding something in yourself that you didn’t know existed. It takes you where you might never physically, spiritually or mentally end up.” 
His love of traveling has inspired a large portion of his work – including his most recent Africa-themed series. His piece donated for An Artists Christmas, A Trip to Africa, is the second work out of the six-piece run. Jerry enjoys painting wildlife and animals, but is known to expand his portfolio into abstract, collage, floral, landscape still life and western art work as well.
“If you’re going to be an artist, you must do something that you cannot, not do. If it comes to the point where it consumes you in one way or another, you’re on the right track.”
Jerry’s work can be seen in the Adobe Western Art Gallery in the stockyards, various shows and online through his website.
What’s Jerry’s spirit animal?
A Hummingbird: “They are honored by many cultures as messengers to the spirits and are much loved and revered.”
How can I attend An Artists’ Christmas?
Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling 817.831.2111. Can’t attend the event? View the online art gallery and place a bid before November 12.
Since 1984, An Artists’ Christmas art auction and gala has contributed more than $3.5 million to Camp Fire First Texas programs, helping youth in North Texas find their spark, lift their voice and discover who they are.
