Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilyn Johansen.
Hi Marilyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised in a military family from birth through High School. I grew up moving around the world because my father was an Air Force fighter pilot. I moved every two to three years. I have no home town. When your parent is in the military depending on what they do, you go where they are needed. I have been around many cultures and communities, north, south, east and west in the U.S. and Europe to Japan. I can speak more than one language and I appreciate all cultures.
I ended up in Florida because my father’s last assignment was MacDill AFB in Tampa, Fl.
I was raised during the Cold War. Many military families live on the front row of history and we become part of it. I met my husband in Tampa, Fl and we have three boys.
I always liked drawing and art. I got my degree from the University of South Florida and taught elementary School. Today I teach watercolor and acrylic painting to adults interested in getting involved in the art community here in Fort Lauderdale. I enjoy the art community. My military upbringing has influenced my art! I like to paint stories. I have many relatives that have served this country including my husband’s service in Vietnam.
My Art series titled: Soldier Stories has been on display in the South Florida Area since 2016. I was even on display at the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport twice for one year in 2022 and then seven months. in 2024.
I have recently written a Memoir about growing up in a military family, available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble website. It is titled, “My Father’s Secrets” by Marilyn Johansen. It has 25 five star reviews on Amazon.
You can check out my website at: https://www.marilynjohansen.com/
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is full of challenges and growing up moving all the time prepared me for them.
I have learned that meeting challenges and figuring them out is part of my story. I have learned the key is seeing the upside to every challenge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known for my Soldier Stories Series of paintings. Since I was a classroom teacher not an art teacher, I love talking about different cultures and history and to appreciate all that this country offers us.
I also love to paint birds, people and scenes that interest me. You can check out my website to learn more about my Memoir and my art.
https://www.marilynjohansen.com/
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Maybe, I’ll just have to see how things go. I am currently getting ready for my book promotion events like the upcoming Miami Book Fair and the Florida Watercolor Society Convention.
Pricing:
- I have an Etsy store on my website.
- You can purchase my book from Amazon and Barnes and Noble website.
- My paintings are available in person at two local galleries. Frame n’ Art by the Sea and Gulry
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marilynjohansen.com/
- Instagram: Artist Marilyn The Art of Marilyn Johansen
- Facebook: The Art of Marilyn Johansen and Marilyn Johansen
- LinkedIn: Marilyn Johansen Artist, Author, Historian, Storyteller and Teacher…
- Twitter: Marilyn Johansen @Marilyn_Cre8
- Youtube: Marilyn Johansen, Author and Artist
- Other: https://www.marilynjohansen.com/
