Angels and Monsters opened March 21st. There was no opening reception and the exhibition, which was to close April 18th, is still up. Angels and Monsters is the first instalment of a two-part exhibition which surveys Johnson's 40 year painting career. Part one focuses on her figurative-base work with the majority of painting on exhibit dating back to the early 1980s, with a few contemporary figurative works from 2017-2018. Part two, scheduled fall 2020 will showcase Johnson's "big sky" landscape paintings from the 1990s and 2000s.
Rae passed away Monday, May 18th succumbing to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). She was sixty-seven years old. The life of an artist is difficult. I believe the artist does not choose but is summoned to this vocation. And though Rae Johnson the painter is gone, she is now immortalized through her work.
A personal note: Rae was a beautiful person. She raised three children, Adrian, June and Joslyn, and had many friends and students from OCADU, where she taught for many years, who loved and respected her. I have a fond memory from a few years back. I was invited to attend the celebration of the Governor General Awards in Ottawa. It was unexpected, though I had attended such a reception before when one of the artists I represented was a recipient. It's a lovely event held at Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General. I was delighted to attend. I arrived on my own and though I knew many people there, it wasn't until I spotted Rae that the evening began to take shape. We had a great time; Rae was my date for the night! After the festivities, I drove Rae "home" to her parents, who live in Ottawa.

mpefm CANADA art press release