The Blue Sea Artisans Gallery featured artist for February is artist and jewelry crafter Joy Johnson.
Johnson began her artist career as a textile weaver. She paints in watercolors and dabbles in ceramics but has found jewelry making her passion. Johnson stumbled into the world of art as a result of her 20-year career as an elementary school teacher. Almost all of her lessons included an “art form” component; her classroom was filled with artwork. Her jewelry designs are wrapped in sterling silver or gold-filled wire. She uses natural sea glass, repurposed glass, seashells, coral pieces, fresh water pearls, metals, gemstones and glass beads.
Some of Johnson’s most unique pieces are bracelets, where she incorporates lamp glass beads and authentic Indian head coins for clasps. Her earrings combine pearls, sea shells, metals — copper, Tibetan sliver, sterling silver and gold-filled wires — with colored sea glass. Another favorite creation are her wineglass markers that are playful, unique charms made with sea shells, glass beads, some are activity themed and they are fully washable.
The Blue Sea Artisans will host a featured artist’s reception for Johnson from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at its Kona International Market gallery. For more information, call the gallery at 329-8000. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.