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Libby Johnson – Artist and painting instructor shares her most personal memorabilia

For nearly 13 years, Studio dei Leoni on Perkins Road has been painter Libby Johnson’s venue for helping budding artists young and old find their own creative characters inside. But it is at her home studio in her College Towne residence that the MFA graduate from LSU births fluidly expressive still-lifes and landscapes—many inspired by the flora of the University Lake she overlooks.
Sailor Man salt cellar. Lovingly glued back together after a tumble from the kitchen counter, this was a gift long ago from my sister-in-law, Deborah Crespo.

A self-professed book hound, Johnson also is the keeper of a vast store of curios and unique creations—many made by the hands of the people who have populated her life as an artist. Here she shares 10 of her valuables with 225.

Cycles of Life basket. This was made by me to depict the four seasons on the outer panels, night and day on the inside and filled with eggs to represent the renewal of life.

Kate Blacklock vessel. Kate is a friend and ceramicist who taught at LSU and now lives in Rhode Island.

The Angel Gabriel. I found this at Caffery Gallery and purchased it as a Christmas gift to myself.

Music box. Adorned with our own Rat Terriers and made years ago by my stepdaughter, Clare Crespo Chindlund.

Painting of Tim. This canary was inherited from my grandmother, and my late husband, Michael Crespo, made this painting of it and gave it to me as a birthday gift along with a short story written on the back about a bird like Tim in Venice.

The foot. This was a wonderful surprise to find in a Christmas package from Michael.

Il Medico della Peste (plague doctor) carnivale mask. This was purchased in Venice and now watches the house from the living room wall.

Pecky cypress table. Built by Michael and the center of life in the house.

“Chandelier.” This was from special ornaments that reflect the candlelight from the table below.