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Athens State is pleased to host As They Are<\/em>, featuring the artwork of Athens State Associate Professor, Dr. Mary Beth Johns. The exhibit features large-scale, expressionist portraits of family, friends, and fellow artists that explore human connection, individuality, and the artist\u2019s personal experiences.<\/p>\n As They Are<\/em> will be on display from July 6 \u2013 31 at the Nazaretian Alumni Welcome Center on the campus of Athens State University. The exhibit is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n Mary Beth Johns teaches Visual Art Education and maintains a studio at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment in Huntsville, Alabama. She holds her Ph.D. in Art Education from Pennsylvania State University, M.A.in Art Education from University of Alabama, and B.A. in Art from University of North Alabama.<\/p>\n Working primarily in large-scale portraiture, Johns transforms photographic references into vibrant, expressive paintings characterized by bold color, dynamic brushwork, and layered textures. Through direct gazes, flattened forms, and carefully constructed environments, the works emphasize the individuality of each subject while exploring human relationships and emotional connection. Rooted in the principles of Expressionism, the paintings prioritize sincerity and emotional impact over strict realism, inviting viewers to engage with both the subjects and the artist\u2019s visible creative process.<\/p>\n Johns said, \u201cWhen considering how to explain my own art, I recall Alice Neel\u2019s thoughts about her work saying, \u2018I paint people, not portraits\u2019. I aspire to do this in all of my paintings. The choice of whom I will paint stems largely from my immediate surroundings. Interesting looking people or those who are dear to me are selected as my subjects. These include family, friends, but mostly other artists. My paintings become autobiographical in that they depict people who move in and out of my life whether it be at school where I teach, my Lowe Mill studio, or home.\u201d<\/p>\n During normal hours, the Nazaretian Alumni Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am \u2013 4:30 pm. For questions, please contact Museum Curator, Lisa Hoffman, at 256-233-8184.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n