Introduction
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. The café has been featured in publications including Wallpaper Magazine, Curbed New Orleans, and Thrillist. The design of The Orange Couch received an Award of Merit – Divine Detail from the New Orleans Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2009.
I also founded the 1801 Spain gallery in New Orleans in 2018, where I blended my interior design with my artwork, creating a dynamic space for art and architecture to coexist. My paintings, known for their expressive compositions, transform spaces with their bold and energetic presence.
In Long Beach, I actively participate in the local art scene. I have recently shown my work through the Long Beach Downtown Open Studio Tour. I designed and built an outdoor gallery space Studio 2036 that showcases my work and will serve as a venue to host art shows for fellow artists in the community. This space fosters collaboration and celebrates creativity within the local art scene. I am looking to further develop the Art Gallery space so that it can become a community hub for local artists.
Funding from the Imagination Fund would support promoting and featuring local art through expanded activities and installations. The goal is to transform the gallery space into a vibrant hub for local creativity, where artists from Long Beach and beyond can showcase their work and engage with the community. This initiative not only elevates the artists but also enriches our community’s cultural landscape.
To achieve this, I am looking to purchase advanced equipment that includes high-quality lighting, versatile display structures, and audio/video equipment to create marketing content for artists and their exhibits. This equipment will enhance the visual appeal and accessibility of the artwork, ensuring that each piece is presented in its best light and can be appreciated fully by all visitors.
Securing grant funding will enable me to:
Upgrade Gallery Infrastructure: Invest in state-of-the-art lighting and display technology that adapts to various forms of artwork, from traditional paintings to digital and interactive pieces.
Host More Exhibitions: Increase the number of exhibitions we can host, providing more opportunities for local artists to gain exposure and recognition.
Offer Workshops and Artist Talks: Organize educational programs and workshops led by featured artists, fostering learning and engagement within the community.
Promote Art Digitally: Create marketing content that can be used to promote artists and their upcoming exhibits
I envision this funding not just as a means to enhance physical and digital infrastructure, but as a catalyst for creating a sustainable platform where art is accessible, and local artists are continually celebrated and supported. This effort will further solidify this commitment to nurturing talent and producing community art.
