FREEPORT – Diana Johnson, an artist and art instructor from Freeport, will lead a celebration of more than 30 of her students, whose paintings will be on exhibit throughout October at the Freeport Community Library.

An exhibit reception will be held in the library’s community meeting room on Monday, Oct. 20, from 5-7 p.m. The exhibit features painters from Freeport, Yarmouth and Cumberland who have studied with Johnson through community education programs.

Johnson, who works primarily in oil and pastel, has exhibited in Maine galleries and has been included in New York exhibitions at the National Arts Club. Johnson, 60, grew up in Portland. She lived for a few years in Arizona and Washington state, and now resides in Freeport with her husband and two dogs. She holds a degree in art education and a master’s in adult education from the University of Southern Maine. For more information on Johnson, see www.dianajohnsonfineart.com.

Johnson answered questions about both her art and her work in community education for Tri-Town Weekly.

Q: How did you get started in community education, and what organizations are you in?

A: While working full time in Portland, I chose to offer some art classes at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. This volunteer experience was so much fun that I went on to teach through the University of Southern Maine’s Community Education Program. Then I explored opportunities to teach in towns close to my home. I currently belong to three art-related organizations, the Plein Air Painters of Maine, Pastel Painters of Maine and the Pastel Society of America.

Q: Tell us about your art background.

A: Luckily, my mother encouraged my love of “making things” throughout my childhood. At the age of 11 she gave me $1.50 every Saturday morning and I would walk one mile and climb three flights of stairs to take art lessons in Esther Barney’s studio apartment. I enjoy using a variety of painting media such as pastel, oil, acrylic and gouache. My favorite subject matter is the Maine landscape. Painting is my way to share what I notice about the world we live in. I like the ongoing challenge of trying to make ideas visible. The theme that occurs most frequently in my work is the subtle juxtaposition of contrasting elements. For example, when searching seemingly tranquil landscapes I look for ways to suggest energy and vitality. I strive to create a tangible sense of atmosphere in my works – a de?ja? vu feeling of sorts.

Q: What do you like about instruction? Is that what you spend most of your time on, in terms of art endeavors?

A: I like the creative energy that exists when a group of people are painting together. Sometimes the room is quiet and everyone is focused on their work. Other times there is laughter and lots of encouraging words spoken. I play classical music while everyone paints. Recently one student said, “These are the most cultured two hours I have all week.” Along with teaching, I spend a good amount of time on my landscape practice. As much as possible, I paint outside, on location. The weather this past summer was perfect for painting. Some of my favorite places to paint are Runaround Pond, Winslow Park and Wolfe’s Neck. We are so lucky to have such natural beauty close to home.

Q: Do you enjoy working with beginning artists, and if so why?

A: Yes, very much. Many of my students have joined one of my classes as self-professed beginners. It gives me great pleasure to see a person courageously pursue painting. Along the way they develop confidence and a command of their chosen medium. Another favorite part of teaching is when a student tells me that they are seeing their environment in a new way. For example, last May I taught a class called “Painting Clouds.” One woman emailed me during the summer to describe some beautiful clouds she had seen. She wrote, “I looked at them and thought about painting them.”

Q: How do local artists benefit from meeting each other at an exhibit such as the one at the Freeport Community Library?

A: Bringing artists from three communities together for a show is very exciting to me. The Freeport Community Library is the perfect venue for this gathering. The show is called “Art All Around: Three Communities of Painters.” This event will be a wonderful opportunity for the artists to meet each other.

Q: Where in Maine is your art on exhibit? Do you have a favored gallery?

A: My pastels are exhibited in Wiscasset Bay Gallery in Wiscasset. In Yarmouth, I exhibit my oils at Yarmouth Frame & Gallery. My new oils are currently on view in Yarmouth as part of a group show called “Irresistible Light.” The show is on through November.

Diana Johnson of Freeport works on one of her paintings in an inspiring backyard setting.