Liz Johnson comes to Florence with a rich educational background in architecture and in the fields of papermaking, printmaking, bookbinding, and watercolor. Her work is included in public and private collections around the world. Currently she is focused on book arts and teaching book classes at Rosie’s Art Carnival. 

She invites you interact and explore the magical qualities of the books and their exquisite covers, when you touch and feel the texture as you turn the pages. “Let your imagination run free with a book in your hand.” Her books are a treasure.

Besides teaching, you may appreciate her behind the scenes work with the galleries at The Florence Events Center where she is a volunteer on the Art Committee.

“I’m inspired by the ocean. That’s why I’m here,” Liz says. She loves the outdoors, enjoys hiking and exploring the beach. 

Now as a dream come true, Ramona Welzel is an independent artist having turned back to her childhood passion and talent for drawing and painting. Practically, Ramona used these talents and pursued an education to become a production manger in marketing, advertising and silkscreening companies.

Her soft transparent watercolor glazes form shapes that seem to emerge from within the paper – sometimes with whimsy, sometimes floral and other times abstract. She also enjoys pen and ink. These skills have developed her own signature style and have won her honorable mentions in Celebrate Arts.

About her painting and her techniques she says, “Negative painting is my favorite method. I love using layers of colors to develop my subject and design.” In addition to her art, Ramona is a Friend of the Library and is a member of the Monday painters.

Watch for her captivating work displayed at various venues locally and regionally around Florence.

Please join us in celebrating Liz & Romona at their reception on May 14th at Backstreet Gallery.