A Bit About Me

I am an artist, educator, storyteller. As an educator, I aim to build confidence and incite curiosity in my students, enabling them to realize their ideas. As an artist, I often start creating work by exploring the urban-rural areas surrounding my home. I walk these places with my dogs, gather materials, and take photos. Then I use what I’ve collected to compose stories.

Overview of Accomplishments:

Corey Kent Johnson: Art Educator, Mentor, and Community Collaborator

Corey Kent Johnson is an experienced art educator and artist based in Dallas, Texas, with over two decades of dedicated service in fostering creativity and critical thinking among young artists. His artistic journey commenced at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he established a versatile foundation across diverse media. As an artist, Mr. Johnson specializes in sculpture and mixed media installations, frequently drawing inspiration from the semi-urban or peri-urban landscapes of his home. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History, with a minor in Philosophy, from the University of North Texas, as well as both a Master of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Dallas.

Mr. Johnson has held teaching positions at prestigious institutions, including Dallas College, the University of Texas at Arlington, and Tarrant County College. In 2010, he joined Bishop Lynch High School, where he taught Sculpture, 2D and 3D Portfolio and Drawing and Painting courses until 2023. At Bishop Lynch, he successfully established the school’s first chapter of the National Art Honor Society, serving as the sole faculty sponsor and creating a platform for student recognition and growth. Furthermore, as the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS), he managed the school’s participation in both reginal and state art competitions annually, offering coaching and mentoring to students in both in-person and remote contexts. His eventual role as a TAPPS judge underscores his commitment to nurturing artistic talent throughout the state.

Central to his teaching philosophy is the cultivation of a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages individual expression and artistic development. Mr. Johnson introduced innovative techniques into Bishop Lynch’s art program, including welding and forge work, thereby enriching the curriculum with practical skills. During periods of remote instruction, he developed a web-based learning platform featuring video tutorials to enhance the accessibility of art education for students at home. His dedication to student growth extended to his mentorship roles within the House System and his leadership in Junior Boys Retreats, which focus on the development of emotional intelligence.

In addition to his classroom contributions, Mr. Johnson has collaborated with various organizations, including Emma’s House, Art Conspiracy, Empty Bowls, and Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship Center. Through his initiative, the Art for Change club, he successfully raised $1,200 for Whole Foods Market’s Prosperity Campaign. His involvement with the Bishop Lynch Robotics Club resulted in the establishment of the school’s inaugural Robotics Summer Camp; under his guidance, the club achieved top rankings in the TCEA Advanced Arena Competition, competing against schools with specialized robotics programs.

One of his notable undertakings includes a partnership with The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, where he supervised students in reconstructing the fossilized remains of a 34-million-year-old tortoise, *Stylemys nebrascensis*. The completed fossil is now on display at the museum, highlighting the successful integration of art and scientific exploration.

Mr. Johnson’s approach to art education is exemplified by his redesign of sculpture courses at Bishop Lynch, which center around “Big Ideas” and “Essential Questions” that guide students toward deeper engagement with their artistic endeavors. Former students, such as Clair Jackson, have remarked upon the transformative influence of his mentorship; she recalls Mr. Johnson’s support in creating a large paper mâché dragon that remains displayed in the school library, serving as a lasting testament to his impact on her artistic journey.

Mr. Johnson actively pursues professional development opportunities, participating in NAEA Interactive Webinars, the University of Dallas Ministries Conference, as well as conferences addressing Dyslexia and Related Disorders. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Art Education Association, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Museum of Art, and Texas Computer Education Association, continually striving to expand his expertise and incorporate new insights into his teaching practices.

Corey Kent Johnson’s commitment to art education, innovative pedagogical methods, and dedication to student mentorship render him a valuable asset to any educational institution. His fervor for community service and his influence on young artists will undoubtedly inspire and empower the next generation of cultural creators and community builders.

For further information regarding Corey Kent Johnson’s work, please explore the website or make direct contact. coreykentjohnson@gmail.com

From the Bishop Lynch High School website:

Mr. Johnson is an accomplished teacher who joined Bishop Lynch in 2010. He teaches Sculpture I and Sculpture II and Portfolio 3D and 2D. Mr. Johnson earned his Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Philosophy from The University of North Texas and his Master of Art and Master of Fine Art in Sculpture from The University of Dallas. Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Johnson worked as a preparatory and team member at the Art Centre of Plano, where he helped create JumpStart, a well-respected summer arts program for under-served children in Plano.
Mr. Johnson has also run a successful art gallery and taught at several colleges, including the University of Texas at Arlington, T.C.C., and Dallas College. At Bishop Lynch, he has run numerous clubs, participating in statewide competitions and charity fundraising. Mr. Johnson's Robotics Club placed in the top 5% in the TCEA Advanced Arena Competition in 2014, and his Rock Climbing Club has won state championships in bouldering. He also created the Bishop Lynch Robotics Summer Camp for grades 6th through 8th in 2014.
Mr. Johnson's dedication to service is evident in his work with the Art for Change club, which raised $1,200 for Whole Foods Market's Prosperity Campaign, and his collaborations with local Senior Assistant Living Communities, Emma's House, Art Conspiracy, Empty Bowls, Equest, The Special Olympics, East Lake Pet Orphanage, The M.A.C., and other 501(c) companies. In addition, Mr. Johnson often incorporates cross-curricular projects into his teaching, such as the creation of a model of the missing bones of a 34-million-year-old Stylemys (sty-Lemm-ees) nebrascensis (Nah-brass-census), which is now on display at The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas.

HIghlighted Work Experience

July 2010 - July 2023

Bishop Lynch High School Dallas, TX

Fine Art Instructor:

Developed and implemented inclusive curriculums teaching multiple sections of Sculpture I, II, Advanced Sculpture, Drawing, and Painting I, II, 3D, and 2D Portfolio. Fine Arts Coordinator for The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools or TAPPS. Faculty Sponsor of the Bishop Lynch chapter of the National Art Honor Society and faculty mentor in the Bishop Lynch House System.

Created and oversaw a partnership with The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas, where art and science students created life-like replacements for the missing bones of 34-million-year-old Stylemys (sty-Lemm-ees) nebrascensis (Nah-brass-sensus). This unique specimen can be seen as part of the permanent collection at the Heard Natural Science Museum.

Directed the school's participation in over 30 art competitions yearly for The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools or TAPPS, with students winning over 40 state championships in various mediums from 2011 - 2022.

September 2006 – May 2010

Dallas College, Dallas, TX

Adjunct Professor: Engaged students in cultivating their talents while teaching multiple sections of Sculpture I, II, III, and Advanced Sculpture, 3D & 2D design, & Art Appreciation

Instructed multiple students often during the same class period on welding, woodworking, and casting in plaster and bronze.

Built a vacuum form machine for students to manipulate plastics and create molds of student work done in plasticine and other mediums.

Incorporated the concept of Unit Forms developed by Wucius Wong’s “Principles of Design”, I took one Unit Form

Instructed theories of Gestalt Visual Perception giving students the building blocks for creating focus and direction in their compositions using traditional mediums and in web design.

Developed lectures on concepts found in contemporary art and various historical movements and time periods within the canon of western art.

September 2007 – May 2009

Tarrant County College, Arlington, Texas

Adjunct Professor: Cultivated students’ talents while teaching multiple sections of Drawing I, II, 2D Design, Sculpture I, II, III, and 3D Design.

Grew the number of 3D art classes offered by the college from the popularity of the classes that I taught.

Gave lectures on contemporary artists and various techniques in rendering. Instructed multiple students often during the same class period on welding, woodworking, and casting in plaster and bronze.

A video showing me turning on the forge and advertising my classes at Bishop Lynch High School

Master of Fine Arts │Concentration in Sculpture

The University of Dallas, Irving, Texas

Master of Arts │Concentration in Sculpture

University of Dallas, Irving, Texas

I studied sculpture at the University of Dallas under the sculptor and educator Philip Shore. As part of my studies, I served as the studio assistant to the sculpture studio and graduate assistant to Lyle Novinski, Professor Emeritus of Art and former Chair of the Art Department at the University of Dallas. This experience was invaluable in developing my understanding of sculptural techniques, the creative process, and the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the field. My time at the University of Dallas was a fantastic learning experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such esteemed educators and artists.

Lyle Novinski: https://www.novinskistudio.com/lyle-novinski.htm

Bachelor of Arts │Concentration in History (minor in Philosophy)

University of North Texas, Denton, Texas

I have always been drawn to unique and thought-provoking courses as a student. Some of my most transformative coursework at UNT was in Philosophy in Literature, where the main text was War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, and in my participation in the Great Books Program, where Professor Richard Owsley was one of the instructors. The Karamazov Brothers by Fyodor Dostoevsky and The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon were studied, among other significant literary works, in the Great Books course. I found these courses inspiring and engaging, and I'm excited to share my experiences with others.