Dream BIG and Inspire Greatness

Skilled in the creation of art and artists

MEET ELYSE JOHNSON

I love creating art and inspiring a love of art in others

Growing up in Apex, North Carolina, I started taking art classes in middle school, and was in love with it by high school. I took every single art class that was available to me, both in and out of school. After graduating from Meredith College with a Bachelors of Arts in Studio Art and Art Education, I worked for the Wake County School System for several years teaching 2D and 3D art and eventually pottery. 

While pursuing my career in education, my then-fiancé was starting an adventure that would take us across the globe to New Zealand. The five years that we spent there molded me in so many ways as I experienced the new and different culture, and helped me learn more about myself. One aspect of New Zealand’s culture that impacted me the most was the collectiveness, valuing of teamwork and the success of the community over individualism. For example, there is the analogy of the field of poppy flowers. If one flower is taller than the others, it is cut so that the entire field is uniform. Like many artists, I embrace uniqueness and self-expression thus causing me to stand out and giving me the name of a Tall Poppy.

Upon returning to the United States, I have a new love and respect for the way that Americans embrace individuality, and now I sign all of my artwork with a poppy as a reminder that Tall Poppies are needed in this world, and that my goal is to create more of them.

To see more of my work, find me on Facebook and Instagram, or head over to Van Goat Studios to learn more about my work as a muralist.

My outlook

We are each a product of our experiences, and I am no different. My work represents my interests, life experiences, and goals. I translate this outlook to my students as they explore their own world through their experiences.

NC Born & Raised

Born and raised in Apex, I now live on a hobby farm outside of Dunn

Art Education

I studied Studio Art with a focus in Education at Meredith College 

Overseas Experience

I spent five years in New Zealand for an Overseas Experience, volunteering with Rotary International

Art Life

On top of creating my own pieces, I accept commission work and teach art lessons to a variety of ages in and around Harnett County.

My Work

Here is a sampling of the work that I have done both for myself and for others. To see what I currently have for sale, head on over to the Artifactual Facebook page. To get information about commissioning a piece, shoot me an email and we'll get started! Each piece that I do comes with a certificate of authenticity and is a one-of-a-kind work of art. 

Barn Quilts

Internships

In lieu of traditional art lessons, I am offering art apprenticeships designed to teach art techniques and equip students with the skills needed to pursue art professionally. If you are not a student of mine and are 18 years old or older, you must provide ONE of the following: a digital portfolio, a website, or a social media folder showcasing your latest work.

Foundations

Middle School

This allows students to pursue their passions and provides them with the skills and vocabulary to explore the range of art mediums as well as the idea of a career in the visual arts.

Pre-Apprentice

9th - 11th Grade

Once in high school, students will continue their skill development and will be introduced to more complex techniques, and determine which art medium(s) they would like to pursue.

Apprenticeship

11th - 12th Grade

Connecting class instruction with visual art job training, this stage is pursued with the understanding that the student would like to be considered as an applicant for the VanGoat Studios NC internship.

Intern

12th Grade & Up

This is a paid position, where interns will work closely with the Art Director at VanGoat Studios NC to plan, prepare, and execute a variety of mural projects.


*Note: Personal transportation required

Pricing


One hour class (semi-private): $30


One hour private lesson: $40


Plus quarterly art supply fees that may vary


Notes:

Bathrooms are not in the immediate proximity of the art studio

Payment is a month in advance

Testimonials

"I signed my daughter Bijou up for art lessons with Mrs. Elyse thinking it would be something fun for my “artsy” child. I had no idea she was going to learn so much. Not only does she get the opportunity to paint and draw, but she’s made sculptures, learned how to sew, learned about different artists and their unique styles. Mrs. Elyse has challenged Bijou to be a better artist. We are so thankful to have such a knowledgeable teacher that continues to inspire Bijou artistically."

Leigh Anne Hester

"My horse that I grew up with passed away last year, and even though I had countless pictures of her, they were mostly either up close or had other people or animals in them as well. Elyse was able to take a few pictures and piece together an original painting that looks just like my girl (even though we had almost no full-body pictures). Everything about the painting is stunning, even down to the texture of the paint on the canvas. Elyse did an amazing job with this piece, and I am so thankful to have it."

AnnaScott Cross

"I was a student of Mrs. Elyse's about a year before she asked me to intern with her. I was extremely surprised by the offer and was really excited. At the start, I mostly did a lot of prep work, which allowed me to learn more about the process of teaching art, along with how to assess other people's abilities. I then moved onto learning about the process of commissioning art and proposing my ideas to large committees and businesses. Overall, I have been able to hone my skills as an artist, whilst learning more about how to run a business. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and I can't wait to learn more!"

Lorelai Bellanger 

VIDEO INTERVIEWS

Dana / Farm Business Commissioned Artwork

Kim / Childhood Memories Commissioned Artwork

For Art Apprenticeship

Call now 
919-756-0410

Elyse@Artifactual.biz
Dunn, North Carolina

Contact Us

For Commission Work 

Call now 

919-756-0410


Elyse@Artifactual.biz
Dunn, North Carolina

Contact Us

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