through
Carmen Johnson ’ 72 :
Bringing nations together
through
art
When Carmen ( Cassette ) Johnson ’ 72 moved up to Fort Fairfield in northern Maine a few years ago to be near her husband ’ s family she welcomed a quieter pace of life and rolling hillsides . However , having lived most of her life in southern Maine , on one day in 2015 she got lost while out driving and ended up crossing the border into Canada where she pulled into a gas station to ask for directions . It was there where she met , by chance , the honorable Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick , Jocelyne Roy Vienneau .
Carmen is an artist who uses ink and watercolors to capture beautiful landscapes , finding inspiration in Vincent van Gogh ’ s style and opting for bright colors . “ Art has always been a part of my life — it ’ s a talent that God gave me ,” she said . She sells prints , postcards , and magnets , and thought it would be a nice gesture to send Lieutenant Governor Vienneau some of her art , including magnets featuring Maine ’ s iconic Portland Headlight and a moose .
STORY BY EMMA DEANS PHOTO & ARTWORK COURTESY OF CARMEN JOHNSON
L to R : Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick Jocelyne Roy Vienneau , Carmen Johnson ’ 72 , and Ronald Vienneau , at the Government House in Canada . Below : Portland Headlight watercolor by Carmen Johnson ’ 72 .
“ She responded with a thank you note along with an invitation to visit the Capitol , in Fredericton , New Brunswick . I could not make it this past summer , so a surprise came right before Christmas — an invite to come to the Governor ’ s mansion to celebrate the New Year ’ s Day afternoon levee with them . I was just thrilled and excited . I brought her some of my artwork and my husband and I received a gracious tour of the estate . There was a four-piece jazz band , homemade chicken soup , apple cider , and an assortment of cookies .” Carmen has donated her artwork to several charitable organizations , including prints for the 2017 Thornton Fund Auction , which will be held on May 6 !
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