Join us at Matthaei Botanical Gardens for an art exhibit by Justin Johnson Nodagwzëwêk gi gdankobthëgnenanêk (our ancestors are heard): Contemporary Visions in Native American Art. September 29 - November 15, 2026.
Artist Bio
“Bozho, Justin Johnson nde zhnëkas, Eau Claire ndë wtthbya. Mshiké ndodem minė Bodéwadmi ndaw.” (“Hello, my name is Justin Johnson, I come from Eau Claire. My clan is turtle and I am Potawatomi”).
My name is Justin Johnson, Native name Thitthishkewé. I’m a visual artist whose work is deeply shaped by my Potawatomi heritage. Raised in Coloma, Michigan, my artistic path began in childhood and continued through grade school and high school, eventually leading to me studying at Kendall College of Art & Design for four years. My art is a reflection of both personal expression and cultural tradition, honoring the interconnectedness of people, animals, land, and spirit. Guided by intuition, ancestral knowledge, and the natural world. I’m always seeking new ways to tell stories through my work. My drawings are inspiration from tribal stories, culture, and values that have been passed down through generations. I have collaborated with the Pokagon Band on numerous projects, including traditional storybooks and illustrations. Aswell as permanent collections at the Pokagon Band Administration Building and the Pokagon Health Services building, and artwork featured in the Four Winds Casino gift shop. Some other projects and exhibtions that I’ve participated in would be the Native American exhibition at the Krasl Art Center and a featured as the cover artist with a six-page article in PAN-O-PLY magazine. My murals can be found at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the Edwardsburg (Cass County District) Library, and the Buchanan District Library. Currently, I’m collaborating with Northwestern University on a new mural for their football stadium. Through diverse body of work, my work continues to share the stories, values, and traditions of his heritage with a wide audience.
Artist Statement
My work is deeply rooted in my culture, which shapes both my perspective and my creative process. We see ourselves as part of the Earth, not separate from it—every act, every gesture, is an exchange. When we take, we give. This relationship is woven into the art I make, which follows the tradition known as Woodlands Style, or Legendary Style. It’s not the invention of any one person. It has been handed down, shaped by countless hands and stories over generations. This style is often described as “x-ray” painting. With vivid colors and layered lines, I try to reveal the inner spirit of animals, plants, and people—sometimes physical, sometimes spiritual. There’s a rhythm to it that still echoes the Great Lakes region: bold, luminous, and full of life. Each piece is a story that’s been told and retold, woven across time, just like the spirits that guide us. As an artist, I try to reflect these values in everything I do. Even when we drift from the old ways, our spirit keeps us connected. My work is a reminder—a visual invitation to reconnect, to live more intentionally, and to honor the balance and respect that our traditions teach.
