CARNIVAL,

“A WHIMSICAL, WITTY, ABSURD, HUMOROUS, FUN, FUNCTIONAL” EXHIBITION


Featuring work by C.R. “Skip” Johnson, Carnival is, to quote the artist, “a whimsical, witty, absurd, humorous, fun, functional” collection of figures drawn from the sensibility of carnival sideshows and state fairs. The elongated figures are engaged in all manner of play and performance. You can practically hear the barker calling out from his tent and smell the hot dogs at the vendor’s cart. This one is definitely fun for the whole family!

C.R. “Skip” Johnson was born in Painted Post, New York and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York-Oswego. After receiving his MFA from the school for American Craftsmen at the Rochester Institute of Technology, he started his teaching career in 1960. He established the fine art wood program in the Department of Art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he taught from 1965-1990 retiring as Professor Emeritus. He has lectured and taught at numerous universities, workshops and special sessions around the country including the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina and at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine.

The Wood Turning Center is a not for profit arts and education organization whose mission is the growth and encouragement of individuals creating art from wood and other materials. The primary focus is turned and carved wood objects, and public appreciation of such art. The Center’s mission is accomplished through educational programs, acquisitions for its permanent collection, and preservation and promotional.