Artist Jerry Johnson brings decades of experience to OHIO Southern gallery

From painting alongside Bob Ross in California to creating murals across the tri-state region, artist Jerry Johnson’s journey has been anything but ordinary.

Now, a selection from his body of work will be featured at Ohio University Southern’s art gallery from Feb. 10 through March 6, offering a glimpse into the people and personalities that inspire his work.

A seasoned artist with a career spanning more than 50 years, Johnson’s path has taken him across the country—from Los Angeles and Seattle to his current home in Ashland, Kentucky. Known for his striking acrylic portraits, Johnson has painted a wide range of subjects, including musicians like John Legend and Patti LaBelle, as well as sports icons such as Tom Brady and Joe Burrow.

“I’ve been painting for years—over 50 to 60 years,” Johnson said. “I’ve worked in Los Angeles, Huntington Beach and even Seattle before coming back home to take care of my parents. I promised my dad I wouldn’t leave, and I’ve been making a business happen here ever since.”

In addition to his portrait work, Johnson is a familiar name in the tri-state art scene, creating murals and window paintings for businesses, hospitals and public spaces. His work is displayed at the Alex Haley Museum in Tennessee, the Casey Jones Museum, and locally on Ashland and Portsmouth floodwalls.

His art has also led to unexpected opportunities. While painting promotional artwork for concerts at the Paramount Arts Center, Johnson’s work caught the attention of performers who wanted to meet him in person.

“They’d see my paintings displayed outside and ask, ‘Who painted that?’” Johnson said. “Next thing I knew, I was getting calls to come down and meet them.”

Johnson and his wife, Doris, operate The Heritage Art Gallery in Ashland, located at 1520 Winchester Ave. The gallery, open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., primarily features his work. Doris manages the day-to-day operations and coordinates community events such as sip-and-paint nights and themed painting sessions.

“We’re working on a ‘Paint Your Partner’ event before Valentine’s Day,” Doris said. “We want to bring the community together and create a space where people can engage with art.”

Johnson, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy, has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts. He was awarded a key to the city, recognized by the governor for his artistic achievements and honored by the Veterans Administration with a medal for outstanding art.

His exhibit is part of Ohio University’s Black History Month programming, which celebrates the contributions, history and cultural impact of the Black community throughout American history. This year’s national theme, “African Americans and Labor,” examines the role of Black workers in shaping industries, communities and social movements through skilled trades, the arts, public service, activism and entrepreneurship.

“Jerry Johnson’s exhibit is a powerful addition to our Black History Month programming, highlighting the artistic contributions of Black creators whose work captures history, culture and identity,” said Dr. Deborah Marinski, dean of Ohio University Southern. “His portraits honor both well-known figures and everyday individuals, showcasing the richness of experience and expression. We invite the campus and community to engage with his art and celebrate the lasting impact of creative work.”

The Ohio University Southern exhibit will be on display in Dingus 111, with gallery hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A closing reception featuring light refreshments and an artist talk with Johnson will be held on March 6.