Vera Johnson
Wilton,NM
Summary
Dedicated and dependable multimedia artist with extensive background in various mediums. Goal is to expand work into public spaces through collaboration bringing a message of hopefulness, renewal and unity to observers.
Diligent problem-solver with resourceful approach to challenges and organized style. Excellent communicator with focus on results.
Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in project planning with background in educational and homeschooling. Student-centric instructor, competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team.
Talented Owner with excellent marketing, customer service and facility oversight skills and more than 30 years of experience. Highly effective and comfortable working with people at all levels in organization.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/ Operator/ Teacher
The Belle Creative Arts Center
2021.01 - Current
Founded the BELLE CREATIVE ARTS CENTER in 2021 that includes working spaces for:
- Blacksmithing
- Welding
- Plasma cutting
- Pottery
- Silversmith and copper jewelry
- Teach all aforementioned skills.
- Full time artist creating original work from reclaimed materials.
- Collaborations large and small
- Several designs installed for clients, public spaces from Seattle to Maine
Owner/ Operator Vera's Iron and Vine
Vera's Iron And Vine
2018.02 - Current
Retail store originally opened in Farmington, Me. 2018 relocated to downtown Wilton in 2022, to be closer to studio (Belle creative arts) which features upward of 60 Maine artists handcrafted items.
- Featured on MAINE LIFE Season 8; Episode 12
- Featured in Maine Magazine Issue: March/April 2022
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
Owner
Village Green Perennial Nursery
2008.08 - 2016.04
Owner operator Village Green perennial nursery, Educational perma-culture farm in Seattle focused on edible landscapes, wildlife gardens, native plants and sustainability.
- Events venue and educational talks with local authors and educators
- Worked with local schools and community organizations through fundraising, education and farm visits
- Hosted travelers from all over world through WWOOF program (international mentorship program)
- Designed and installed edible and wildlife gardens for clients that included rain gardens, native habitat, pollination gardens and perennial edibles.
- Hosted team building workshops for Boeing, University of Wash and date nights
- Hosted weddings, Farm to table dinners, art events, barter fairs, concerts, Gamelan, Mother's day tea, Garden tours (12 area gardens)
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
Education
No Degree - Welding
South Seattle Community College
Seattle01.1998
High School Diploma -
Mount Vernon High School
Mount Vernon OH06.1987
Skills
All skills have been acquired over 25- 30 years.
Please visit www.verajohnson.net for extensive details.
- METAL- Extensive collection of original work. While in Seattle apprenticed with Mimi Riley, David Lisch and other successful metal artists assisting with railings, production pieces and large-scale pieces for public and private installation. Additionally have been teaching beginning and intermediate blacksmithing for 15 years.
- GARDENING AND SPATIAL DESIGN- Seattle: owned and operated Village Green: urban farm and garden center that focused on organic, sustainable and edible designs. Additionally, maintained apiary for 10 years with up to 5 hives. This work influenced much interest in sculptural garden pieces with steel and copper and prefer using reclaimed materials when possible.
- CLAY- I've studied wheel throwing, hand building, raku and pit firing, gas reduction and electric kiln firing and extensive glaze techniques with several professional potters in Seattle.
- WOOD- large and small salvage and reclaim projects (barns, sheds) from Skagit Valley, Washington to Rumford, Maine, repurposing materials into functional and sculptural forms. Many can be seen in Wilton and Rumford. These experiences have honed several skills:
- Entrepreneurial personality
- Project estimating
- Driven and Determined
- Effective leader
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Project Management
Timeline
Owner/ Operator/ Teacher
The Belle Creative Arts Center
2021.01 - Current
Owner/ Operator Vera's Iron and Vine
Vera's Iron And Vine
2018.02 - Current
Owner
Village Green Perennial Nursery
2008.08 - 2016.04
No Degree - Welding
South Seattle Community College
High School Diploma -
Mount Vernon High School
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