Ray Johnson states, “As an artist, I aspire to create art that is meaningful and emotional. My art engages representation of black beauty, strength and perseverance.”

Ray Johnson’s solo exhibition will focus on the positive impact of male figures on young men. Aimed to not only praise fathers, this exhibit is an opportunity to uplift all male figures who have filled the role of father figure. Ray states, “In the African American community the idea of these men are often overlooked and replaced with the narrative that they are nonexistent.”

The exhibition date falls close to Johnson’s heart, first, because of Father’s Day and second because June 17th is the day his father passed away. “This exhibit is a special way to honor the man who believed in me more than I could ever believe in myself. I want young people to see that there are positive role models right here in the communities they live in.”