January Competition - “Leaves/Petals”

Dr. Mary Beth “Bee” Johns has been the Associate Professor of Art Education for Athens State University in Athens Alabama for 13 years – working through the Alabama Center for the Arts in partnership with Calhoun Community College in Decatur Alabama. Dr. Johns received her Master in Art Education from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa and her Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University. However, it was at the University of North Alabama that she learned to paint with acrylics on a large scale when working towards a Bachelor degree. Presently, Dr. Johns leads the Athens State art teacher education candidates through the Alabama State art certification program and teaches the cap stone classes at ASU associated with this degree. In addition to this she teaches a critique class where new artists learn about aesthetic philosophy and its implementation in studio practice. Prior to accepting her position at ASU, Dr. Johns was the museum educator for The Delaware Center for Contemporary Art, Wilmington; now known as The Delaware Contemporary - an art space that infuses contemporary art and creativity into the community through exhibitions and educational experiences. Currently, working out of the Alabama Center for the Arts Lowe Mill studio 2018, she has had the opportunity to engage the community again by allowing the public to view a practicing artist at work.