about

We are all about art, creation, imagination and the sharing of collective knowledge.

The cARTel began as an invitation to explore mixed media in our home studio twice weekly. With our move to the OneOhOne Gallery, we have the opportunity to open our doors to more artists, more often, with even more opportunities to learn and grow in our creativity.

My sister, Jen Rothstein, and I created this group in December of 2015 in honor of our exceptionally talented parents.

Our mother, Dorie Johnson, who passed in 2015, was a very notable watercolor, and sketch artist during the 70’s and 80’s here in Arizona.  She was most prolific during this time period as an artist, and then during the 1990’s, her and my father owned and operated a custom framing for artwork business.  Their shop, “Frames by Dorie” located in Gilbert, Arizona, was very successful for many years.  I and my siblings are blessed with many of her creations, but mostly with the life lessons she taught us.

Our father, John Johnson Jr., who passed on in 2007, worked for Motorola as an engineer for many years.  In his spare time he explored, learned and mastered many different art forms.  Mostly he practiced photography, gem cutting, silver smithing, lost wax casting, and wood working.  Everything he created was exceptional and I am blessed with not only the knowledge he passed on to me, but many of his creations as well.

Having two incredibly talented, artistic, parents who encouraged us from the beginning to try new things, has led to this opportunity for my sister and I.  We feel a deep passion and desire, not only for creating, but for sharing our knowledge.

The cARTel helped us grow in ways we never expected, or even thought possible.