Artist Biography

BENNIE WOOD JOHNSON
A Lifetime Member and TAG's Lifeline of Inspiration

To know Bennie is to be welcomed with her big Texas "Hogdy" or a warm bear hug. She is dedicated to the arts and is serving her fifth year as our president, having already served as president in 1989 and 1990. (She-was also president of the Society of Watercolor Artists from. 1996 to 1998.

Bennie was the first member of The Arts League, volunteers for ARTSNET and is now working on getting an arts council established in Greater Wise County.

Bennie joined Trinity Arts Guild in 1980 and since then has served the Guild in many capacities, official and unofficial. She served seven terms as Gallery Director, and Publicity Chairman for many years. She initiated the Traveling Shows in 1993 and still organizes and chairs that committee of one. She now also serves officially as newsletter editor. Unofficially? Why is the kitchen always so spit and span? Why is the closet so neat, and the chairs stacked just so? Why does the gallery space look so welcoming? The answer is Bennie Wood's touch. Awards she has received include: 1986 - Unselfish Devotion to TAG; 1987 - Member of the Year of TAG; and 1997 - ARTSNET Volunteer of the Year

A favorite teacher here at the Guild, she teaches classes on Tuesday evening and Friday morning, and is always ready to give an experienced critique. Bennie delights in teaching art and encouraging her students as well as TAG members. She also teaches at Decatur Arts School, Richland Hills Community Center and Kemp Center of the Arts.

Bennie began her personal art study in oils with Ballette Florys. Soon she discovered a true love of watercolor through her cousin Electra Malone, a well known artist in Rockwall. A few lessons from Electra and she was hooked!

Bennie has two sons, one grandchild, and two great grandchildren, all living in the Decatur area.