Mary Johnson at The People's Museum for Prince
Dan Pratt, Kirk Thoren
Mary Johnson

Mary Johnson

Rochester, MN
In the Beginning
Afro
Prints from Graphite Drawing, 2020, 2023

My Prince story is deep and layered, but this is the moment where my artistic path revealed itself. In 1998-99, I felt a quiet yet persistent calling to sit down and draw. I had enjoyed drawing in high school, but I had never taken formal classes or considered myself an artist. Still, the pull was undeniable — an inner nudge that refused to be ignored. When I finally surrendered to it, I felt guided to draw Prince. I had never attempted a portrait before and questioned whether I could capture a likeness strong enough to be recognized. My intention was clear: to allow the image to emerge as truthfully as possible. I began with a single eye. When I shared it with a few people and asked who they saw, each one answered the same: Prince. In that moment, something profound shifted. It felt as though his spirit was present — guiding my hand, steadying my doubt, and opening a door I hadn't known existed. With that energy beside me, I completed the full portrait. That experience marked the beginning of my artistic journey. It gifted me a deep sense of trust, purpose, and confidence — one that has continued to guide my work ever since. From that moment forward, I understood that I was not merely creating art; I was responding to a calling. I was later told that my drawings would serve as a source of guidance and healing — helping others find clarity and move forward.

A Minnesota native, Mary spends her spare time drawing while also working at Mayo Clinic. Her work can be found at the SEMVA Art Gallery in Rochester, Minnesota.

Mary Johnson — In the Beginning<br>Afro
Prints from Graphite Drawing · 2020, 2023

At the Museum — Roberts Gallery

Installation view — Mary Johnson, In the Beginning<br>Afro
Event photo — Mary Johnson at The People's Museum for Prince Event photo — Mary Johnson at The People's Museum for Prince
Photo credits
Connect with Mary Johnson — www.facebook.com/Artbymary7
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