The Coutts Museum of Art is auctioning off an original painting by Leon artist Peter Johnson.
Johnson donated the painting to the Coutts to assist them with their fundraising for an elevator, which is part of their phase one building project.
“This includes the elevator and fire escape so that our museum will be accessible to all,” said Connie Walton, Coutts board president. “Currently we only have two stairways to get to the third floor.
“Peter Johnson knew about our fundraising and he graciously volunteered to give us this painting.”
Johnson said he thought this was a good cause with which to get involved.
“A good cause is a good way to use my art,” he explained. And I was just ready to do another good landscape painting.”
The landscape portrays a valley of the Flint Hills located south of Beaumont between Beaumont and Howard. While Johnson did not go out and paint on location, this is more his memory of that specific place.
Through the years, Johnson has flourished in the Midwestern art community. His ability to capture the essence of the Flint Hills in his art has earned him notoriety and a loyal following. He owned the Circle Gallery and Frame Shop on South Main in El Dorado for over 32 years, having sold the gallery in 2005. Johnson and his wife Marilyn now operate their own studio business called Irlson Arts in Leon.
The painting will be auctioned off on Dec. 10 at the museum, 110 N. Main. A social will begin at 7 p.m. and includes an interview with the artist. Then the auction will be held at 7:45 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
The painting can be viewed at the museum or online at www.sundgren.com and bids can be placed now. The museum hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.
The museum is over halfway to their fundraising goal for phase one.
“The elevator is so essential for the future of the museum,” Walton said.
