Johnnie Sanders Imagination Fund Application — Studio 2036 Gallery

Artist statement

My name is Johnnie Sanders. I am an abstract artist based in the Wrigley neighborhood of Long Beach, California, known for my large-scale abstract acrylic paintings with bold, midcentury-inspired designs. Originally from Berkeley, California, I grew up immersed in the vibrant and culturally diverse Bay Area, which has significantly influenced my creative vision. My formal art education took place at the Academy of Art University, where I specialized in new media, learning contemporary art techniques and digital processes. I further expanded my artistic skill set by studying architecture at Long Beach City College and Los Angeles Harbor College, enhancing my understanding of space and structure—elements that play a crucial role in my artwork. In addition to my work as a painter, I designed and opened The Orange Couch, a community café in New Orleans that has become a local destination.