Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Work Availability
Accomplishments
Timeline
ef

Rick W Johnson MFA

McCook,NE

Summary

Dynamic Art Instructor and Professional Artist with a proven track record at Mid-Plains Community College and significant online presence through www.rickjohnsonstudio48.com. Excelled in collaborative teaching and artistic expression, enhancing student engagement and fostering creativity. Spearheaded the MPCC AFA Program, leading to increased student exhibitions by 30% with the AFA Thesis Capstone. Expert in drawing and painting, with a knack for motivating and inspiring artistic growth.

I am a Creative Art Instructor and professional artist possessing in-depth knowledge of various art theories and principles. Polished in integrating art history, art appreciation and art criticism into all lesson plans and collaborating with classroom teachers to incorporate learning through art. Committed to designing lessons to accommodate broad range of learning styles and encouraging students to reach fullest potential.

Rick W. Johnson MFA

Artist Statement: www.rickjohnsonstudio48.com

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Art Instructor/Art Gallery Director

Mid-Plains Community College/McCook Campus
McCook, Nebraska
05.2004 - Current
  • Curriculum Vitae:
  • Courses taught at Mid-Plains Community College since Fall 2004:
  • Fall Semester: Introduction to the Visual Arts, both online and On-ground (Platform supported by BlackBoard, changing to Canvas). Art History and Criticism 1, Online offering. Drawing 1, Art Structure, 2D Design, Painting 1.
  • Spring Semester: Introduction to the VIsual Arts, both online and on-ground. Art History and Criticism 11, Drawing 11, Art Structure, 3D Design, Life Drawing, Portfolio.
  • Summer/Winterim: Introduction to the Visual Arts, and Humanities: Both Online supported by Canvas.
  • I developed and pioneered the MPCC Associate of Fine Arts Degree (AFA) in 2015, which includes the Fine Arts disciplines of Art-Music-Theater on both campus'. This includes the AFA thesis review, exhibition and oral defense every Spring semester in Wrightstone gallery. (I will provide my MCC AFA brochure in which I created and published for the student guideline-similar to a mini BFA ). The AFA degree in Nebraska is very unique as no other 2 year degree exists in a 5 state surrounding area of our educational location.
  • In 2006 I initiated the Online teaching experience provided by the platform of Blackboard for out MPCC institution, This includes course every Fall/Spring/Winterim/ and Summer in Art History Criticism 1 and 2, Introduction to the Visual Arts and Humanities.
  • Yearly I Manage budgets for art supplies while maintaining high-quality materials accessible for all students throughout the year.
  • Created and delivered lessons through online platform, virtual and face-to-face learning and fulfilled requirements of district's curriculum program.
  • As the Wrightstone Gallery Director I plan and execute activities to promote skill and talent development. This includes High School student exhibitions in Wrightstone gallery (Every spring semester I sponsor my annual MCC Paint-In which is a recruiting tool for my MCC Art department. It is a competition in which 250 to 300 students visit campus for an individual art competition and collaborative painting event. Showcased every spring semester my MCC AFA capstone thesis exhibition and thesis oral presentation. I organize and arrange showcases in the Gallery from the Museum of Nebraska Art/Kearney, Sheldon Art Museum/Lincoln, and the American Watercolor Society traveling exhibition/New York.
  • Facilitated group sessions in our AFA Portfolio classes and provide one-on-one support.
  • Every spring semester I organize and lead educational field trips to museums and galleries such as the Denver Art Museum, exposing students to various artistic styles and cultural influences.
  • Utilized innovative assessment methods like self-evaluations or group critiques to foster critical thinking skills within students about their own work and others.
  • Collaborative projects with the College and High School theater departments. Paint flats for plays and musicals.
  • Youth Art Camps (YAC): 2004-16. 2 week summer art camp for 3-8 grade young art students. Followed by a showcase and reception in Wrightstone gallery.
  • Used technology in classrooms to integrate technology and multimedia tools into art lessons and enhance student learning with the use of a document camera in my drawing classes.
  • Collaborated with community arts organizations such as the McCook Arts Council, to bring real-world experiences such as our art auction, mural project and community "art in the park" this allowed students with opportunities for learning and growth.

Professional Artist

www.rickjohnsonstudio48.com
McCook, Nebraska
01.1990 - Current
  • Exhibition's , Festival's, and Professional Achievements
  • Enhanced visibility of artwork @www.rickjohnsonstudio48.com by participating in various art exhibitions, galleries, and collections.
  • 2025: Became an Associate Member of the American Watercolor Society.
  • 2025: Denver Arts Festival (May 2025)-94th Plaza Arts Fair in Kansas City, MO. (Sept 2025)- NebraskaLand Days in North Platte, Ne.-Heritage Days "Art in the Part", McCook, Ne. (Summer Festivals)-Solo Exhibition in Wrightstone gallery on MCC Campus. NTI syllabus conference (Nebraska Transfer Initiative)- MPCC Hiring Committee (Every year-this semester Math/Physics)-IST Member (Instructional Service Team (institutional program reviews). AFA student field trip to DAM (Denver Art Museum in April). 2025-27 Wrightstone Gallery will showcase from September-October the AWS (American Watercolor Society-Salmagundi Club, NY) traveling exhibition which stops at only 5 venues across the United States.
  • 2024: (Summer Festivals)-Solo exhibition PAC (North Platte, Ne.)-Great Plains ARTfest in Colby, KS.- Outstanding Faculty Award at graduation honors convocation.
  • 2023: (Summer Festivals)- McCook Art Guild Solo showcase- Great Plains ARTfest in Colby, KS.- MPCC Art Instructor exhibition in Wrightstone gallery.-NCCA (Nebraska Community College Association) outstanding faculty award. MPCC "You Rock" award.
  • 2022-21: (Summer Festivals)- Northwest Kansas Cultural Arts Center Solo exhibition in Colby, KS.-2021 Budig outstanding instructor award at MCC commencement,-created and sponsored "MCC Growth Group" a Christian community for college students,-Started the McCook Art Guild for College aged students,-MAC (McCook Arts Council) honors award at graduation,- MPCC PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) faculty sponsor.
  • 2020: No Shows traveled due to COVID- I sponsored the 2020 AWS (American Watercolor Society) traveling exhibition in Wrightstone gallery which stops at only 5 venues across the United States.
  • 2019: NAC (Nebraska Arts Council) competition in LIncoln, Ne. 1st place/Metro Gallery,-PAC (Prairie Arts Center, North Platte, Ne.) Solo showcase,- Great Plains ARTfest (Colby, KS).
  • 2018-2003: "Art in the Park"/2008-18, Kearney, Ne.,- 2014 "Autumn Shadows" selected by the MONA (Museum of Nebraska Art Spirit Art Auction)- 2014 AWS traveling exhibition in Wrightstone gallery,- 2012 Selected for a Solo exhibition in the Governs Mansion Showcase in the Capital Building mansion, Lincoln, Ne. by the NAC (Nebraska Arts Council) from November-December.- 2012 "IMPACT" Art group exhibition in Wrightstone gallery., -2011 Northwest Kansas Cultural Arts Center solo exhibition in Colby, Ks. - 2011 NAC showcase at the University Place Arts Center, Lincoln, Ne.- 2010 "Alumni Show" at the UNK (University of Nebraska Kearney) Walker Gallery,- 2010 (IMPACT group) showcase at the Hastings College Dinsdale gallery on Campus.,-2009 (IMPACT group) showcase at Doane University, Rall Art Gallery.,- 2009 Instructors Showcase at Wrightstone Gallery, MCC Campus,- 2009-03 "Art in the Part" Kearney and McCook, Ne. (Summers only),- PTK Art Competition sponsored by McCook College Foundation and PTK in Wrightstone Gallery (I was a director and competitor)- Competed in the NAC (Nebraska Arts Council) art competition every year.
  • 2003-1989: 2003 Ridenbaugh Gallery, University of Idaho campus,- 2003-1995 Represented by the University Place Art Center, lincoln, Ne.- 1994 MFA thesis exhibition, Ridenbaugh Gallery U of I campus,- 1993-92 Eastern Montana State Juried Art Exhibition,- "Art on the Green" Coeur d' Alene, ID,- Boise Art Museum 7th Biennial Juried Exhibition, Boise, Id,-1991 Senior BFA thesis exhibition in Walker Gallery,- 1990 University Place Gallery Juried Exhibition, Lincoln, Ne.- 1990 Kappa Pi all student juried compeition, First place,-1989 Nebraska Art Education Association Student Art Juried Competition, Best of Show, 1st Place, Lincoln, Ne.
  • Since starting my tenure at MPCC as Art Instructor/Gallery Director in 2004 I have:
  • Developed a strong online presence, increasing exposure and boosting sales of personal original artworks.
  • Continued technical and educational skills through ongoing collaboration and training, staying current with industry trends, techniques, and institutional processes. I have been on multiple conferences such as NISOD (National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development), HLC (Higher Learning Conference), IST (Institutional Service Team), NTI (Nebraska Transfer Initiative), Attended Oil Painting workshops at RMCAD (Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design)
  • Increased offering art workshops and classes to the public, sharing knowledge of various techniques and mediums. Every summer I try to offer classes for the youth and Enrichment only non-traditional students at the gallery.
  • Efficiently managed studio operations including scheduling appointments, maintaining budgets and overseeing personnel while maintaining quality output.
  • Managed inventory of supplies, ensuring proper maintenance of tools and materials for optimal productivity.
  • Mentored aspiring artists, sharing expertise and fostering their creative growth.
  • Secured funding for artistic projects through successful grant applications, enabling the exposure of historical works. (Showcasing the AWS (American Watercolor Society travailing exhibition: NY)
  • Curated successful group exhibitions, showcasing diverse works from both established artists and emerging talents. (Every Spring semester I sponsor my MCC recruiting event (MCC Paint-In) which brings in around 250/300 art students to campus. Along with the AFA thesis oral presentations and showcase.
  • Produced commissioned pieces that met client expectations regarding themes and styles leading to increased referrals and future commissions.
  • Received multiple awards and recognitions for outstanding artistic talent and teaching excellence awards. Most recently the 2023 NCCA (Nebraska Community College Association( outstanding faculty member award.
  • Maintained a yearly Art budget for materials in all the lab related courses taught at MCC.

Education

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Fine Art Painting / Thesis: "Evoking Emotion"

University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
12.1993

Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Painting/ Thesis: "Contrasts"

University of Nebraska At Kearney (UNK)
Kearney, NE
01.1989 - 05.1991

Associate of Arts - Fine Arts-Drawing And Painting

Mid-Plains Community College (McCook Campus)
North Platte, NE
08.1987 - 01.1989

Skills

Collaborative Teaching

Student Engagement

Inclusive education

Motivational Abilities

Project-based learning

Art history knowledge

Assessment Strategies

Visual Communication

Curriculum Development (Implemented the AFA Program at MPCC)

Student assessment

Charcoal and oil painting

Feedback Delivery

Group and individual instruction

Individualized Instruction

Critical Thinking

Creativity and Artistic Expression

Team Collaboration

Color theory understanding

Portfolio assessment

Expertise in Art Techniques

Fine art techniques

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse

Accomplishments

Curriculum Vitae

Courses taught at Mid-Plains Community College/ McCook campus since 2004.

Fall Semester:

ARTS 1010 Introduction to the Visual Arts-both on-ground and online ( platform supported by Blackboard and Canvas)

ARTS1050 Art History and Criticism Survey 1 online.

ARTS1210 Drawing 1

ARTS1000 Art Structure

ARTS1070 2D Design

ARTS2100-2230 Painting 1,2 and 3

Spring Semester:

ARTS1010 Introduction to the Visual Arts- both on-ground and online.

ARTS1060 AHC2 online

ARTS1220 Drawing 2

ARTS1000 ART Structure

ARTS1600 3D Design

ARTS 2020 Life Drawing

ARTS 2450 Portfolio

Summer/Winterim: (Online platform of Canvas)

ARTS1010 Introduction to the Visual Arts

HUMS1100 Humanities

Professional Program Development:

I developed and pioneered the MPCC Associate of Fine Arts Degree (AFA) in 2015, which includes the Fine Arts disciplines including Art-Music-Theater on both campus'. This includes the AFA thesis review, exhibition and oral defense every Spring semester in Wrightstone gallery. (I can provide my MCC AFA brochure in which I created and published for the students to follow). This is very unique as no other 2 year degree exist in a 5 state surrounding area of our educational location.

New course development of cross-disciplinary or team taught class of HUMS or Humanities.

In 2006 I initiated the Online teaching experience provided by the platform of Blackboard for our MPCC institution. This includes courses every Fall/Winterim/Spring/Summer in Art History and Criticism 1 and 2, and also Introduction to the Visual Arts and Humanities. As an institution we now utilized Canvas.

Timeline

Art Instructor/Art Gallery Director

Mid-Plains Community College/McCook Campus
05.2004 - Current

Professional Artist

www.rickjohnsonstudio48.com
01.1990 - Current

Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Painting/ Thesis: "Contrasts"

University of Nebraska At Kearney (UNK)
01.1989 - 05.1991

Associate of Arts - Fine Arts-Drawing And Painting

Mid-Plains Community College (McCook Campus)
08.1987 - 01.1989

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Fine Art Painting / Thesis: "Evoking Emotion"

University of Idaho

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Rick W Johnson MFA