Hello, World!
EDUCATION
1982–1987
University of Kansas, BFA in Painting, Lawrence, KS
University of Kansas, BFA in Design and Illustration, Lawrence, KS
1984–1985
Université de Bordeaux & L’École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Bordeaux, France
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024
The Art of Imagination: Stephen T. Johnson, The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, at UMKC, Kansas City, MO
2022
In the Academic Tradition, Connections between the Artist’s Work and His Art Collection, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, St. Joseph, MO
2022
In the Abstract Tradition: Selected Work from 2008–2022, Phoenix Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2019
9th Street Rhythms, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2017
New Abstractions by Stephen T. Johnson, Weinberger Fine Art, Kansas City, MO
2016
Stephen T. Johnson: Visualizing Ideas from A to Z, Cider Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2016
Kana Abstractions, Gallery on Pioneer Bluffs, Matfield Green, KS
2012
Abstractions by Stephen T. Johnson, Weinberger Fine Art, Kansas City, MO
2012
Art, Language & Play by Stephen T. Johnson, Guldner Gallery, Central Library, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
2011
Art and Ideas: Stephen T. Johnson, White Gallery, Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, Pueblo, CO
2010
Language, Content and the Alphabet: Collages, Paintings and Sculpture by Stephen T. Johnson, Mulvane Art Museum, Washburn University, Topeka, KS
2007
An Abstract Alphabet: New Work by Stephen T. Johnson, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2007
The Interactive Art of Stephen T. Johnson, Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, NY
2005
Stephen T. Johnson, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Manhattan, KS
2003
Seeing is Believing: The Artwork of Stephen T. Johnson, Sabatini Gallery, Topeka, KS
2001
The Art of Stephen T. Johnson, Art and Design Gallery, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2000
Alphabet City and City by Numbers, Memorial Art Gallery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
2000
Alphabet City and City by Numbers, Cahoon Museum of American Art, Cotuit, MA
1997
Alphabet City, Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, NY
1994
Drawings and Paintings by Stephen T. Johnson, Roland Dille Center for the Arts Gallery, Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN
1987
Intentionality, Business School, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
TWO- AND THREE-PERSON EXHIBITIONS
2025
Transformation: From Art School to Art World – Stephen, Ted, and J. Theo Johnson, Edgar Heap of Birds Family Gallery, Department of Visual Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2025
J. Theodore, Ted, and Stephen Johnson: A Three Generation Retrospective, Cider Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2022
The Art of the Children’s Book: Stephen T. Johnson and John Malta, Gallery of Art and Design, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
2021
Picture A Text: Original Children’s Book Artwork by Stephen T. Johnson and Brad Sneed, Mulvane Art Museum, Washburn University, Topeka, KS
2017
Sequential Narratives, Paintings and Sculptures by Stephen T. Johnson and Greg Edmondson, Gallery of Art & Design, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, NE
2012
Accumulations: Paintings and Installations by Stephen T. Johnson and Joelle Ford, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, AL
2009
Nocturnes: Paintings and Prints by Stephen T. Johnson and Lisa Grossman, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2008
Alphabet Soup: Work by Stephen T. Johnson, Jim Munce and Tony Fitzpatrick, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
1998
Drawings from Life: Drawings and Paintings by Ted and Stephen T. Johnson, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
1989
Three Generations of Johnsons, Locust Gallery, Lawrence, KS
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2026
Goal: A Group Celebration Celebrating the World Cup, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2026
Breeders: A Collaborative Art Project, Cider Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2025
Behind the Studio Door, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2024
Building Stories, National Building Museum, Washington, DC
2024
‘Tis the Season: Holiday Children’s Books, Ed Adler Gallery, Port Washington Public Library, Port Washington, NY
2023
Alphabets Alive, Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
2021
A Growing Collection: The Past 10 Years, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, St. Joseph, MO
2021
52 Reasons to Love a Vet, Frontline Arts, Branchburg, NJ
2020
40 Years of Featured Artists Exhibition, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2020
Vicinity: A Group Exhibition, Cider Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2019
The Power of Place: KU Alumni Artists, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2019
National Juried Art Show, Tomahawk Art Center, Overland Park, KS
2019
Process: Illustration Faculty, Art Gallery, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2018
Art Kansas: Works by Stephen T. Johnson, Randy Regier, Carol Long, and Louis Copt, McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation, McPherson, KS
2018
Mark Arts Kansas Invitational Exhibition, Mark Arts, Wichita, KS
2017
99: Locally Brewed, Cider Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2016
The Printed Image 6, Sixth Biennial Juried Graphics Exhibition, Alice C. Sabatini Gallery, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka, KS
2016
The Winter Collective: Works on Paper, Weinberger Fine Art, Kansas City, MO
2016
52 Reasons to Love a Vet Traveling Exhibition, Hunterdon Art Museum, Clinton, NJ; Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
2016
Design & Art Faculty Exhibition, Kansas Board of Regents, Topeka, KS
2015
Original Art Exhibition, Society of Illustrators Museum, New York, NY
2015
Summer Collective, Weinberger Fine Art, Kansas City, MO
2015
Design & Architecture Faculty Exhibition, Art & Design Gallery, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2014
Spaces, Teaching Gallery, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2014
Abstractions, Cider Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2014
Sex, Weinberger Fine Art, Kansas City, MO
2013
Hot Sheets II, Wonder Fair Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2013
Inaugural Exhibition, Cider Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2013
Gallery Artist Exhibition, Weinberger Fine Art, Kansas City, MO
2012
Cryptograph: An Exhibition for Alan Turing, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2012
The Figure, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2011
Storied City: New York in Picture Book Art, Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, NY
2011
Fresh Start: Works in Progress, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2011
Kansas Masters Invitational Traveling Exhibition, The Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, KS; Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Manhattan, KS; Sabatini Gallery, Topeka, KS
2010
13th International Exhibition of Botanical Art and Illustration, Hunt Institute Gallery, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
2010
White Exhibition, Hausmann Millworks, San Antonio, TX
2010
The New Show, Signs of Life Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2009
How We Live Now, Zimmerli Art Museum, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
2009
Kansas Invitational Masters Art Exhibition, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Manhattan, KS
2009
Trees, 6 Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2009
White Exhibition, b.a.l.m., Signs of Life Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2008
Dreams & Portals, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2008
Language, Activism and Dissent, 6 Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2008
Midwest Public Art, Denver International Airport, Denver, CO
2008
Process, Haydon Art Center, Lincoln, NE
2008
Water, 6 Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2007
Ten Years, Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, NY
2007
Delicious, 6 Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2007
Kansas Invitational Masters Art Exhibition, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Manhattan, KS
2007
Thresholds, 6 Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2006
Group Exhibition, Fields Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2006
Person to Person, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Manhattan, KS
2006
Kansas Printmakers Exhibition, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Manhattan, KS
2005
Recent Acquisitions, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2005
Along the Way: MTA Arts for Transit, Celebrating 20 Years of Public Art, UBS Art Gallery, New York, NY
2005
Figures: Paintings and Drawings, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS; curator: Robert Brawley
2003
The Alphabet as Art, Lowell Gallery, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA
2002
Beyond Oz, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
2000
Once Upon a Picture: Caldecott Medal and Honor Books, 1996–2000, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
2000
Imagination Highway, New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, CT
2000
Faculty Exhibition, Rubelle & Norman Schafler Gallery, Pratt Manhattan, New York, NY
1999
Selections from the 27th Annual Exhibition from the Pastel Society of America, Hermitage Museum, Norfolk, VA
1999
25 Years of Museum Acquisitions, Mulvane Art Museum, Washburn University, Topeka, KS
1999
Art from the NYC Transit Poster Series, Bank Street College, New York, NY
1999
Pastel Society of America, New York, NY (exhibited annually, 1992–1999)
1999
Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, NY (exhibited annually, 1987–1999)
1998
Morphed Out, Locus Media Gallery, New York, NY
1998
Winter Fantasy, Locus Media Gallery, New York, NY
1996
The Art of Enchantment, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL; traveled to the McNay Art Museum, San Antonio, TX; Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA; and Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, NY
1996
Seeing is Reading, Castle Gallery, College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY
1995
Annual Juried Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY (also exhibited in 1993 and 1994)
1992
Annual Juried Exhibition, Allied Artists of America, New York, NY
1987
Annual Art Guild Juried Exhibition, R. Eastwood Gallery, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
1987
Annual Student Scholarship Competition, Art and Design Gallery, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
1987
Annual Student Scholarship Competition, Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, NY
1986
Annual Student Scholarship Competition and Exhibition, Art and Design Gallery, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
SELECTED PUBLIC ART AND INSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS
2023
MTA Arts & Design Poster Series, New York, NY
2022
Marshalltown Performing Arts Center, Marshalltown, IA
2019
Womble Basketball Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
2017
Lenexa City Center Library, Lenexa, KS
2016
9th Street Public Art Project, Lawrence, KS
2016
Kansas Alumni Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2015
Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas, TX
2009
Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum, Bloomington Park, Clinton, KS
2009
Universal City/Studio City Metro Station, Los Angeles, CA
2004
Welcome Plaza, Historic Downtown, City of Lawrence, Lawrence, KS
2003
Lied Center of Kansas, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2003
School of Law, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2002
Pediatric Wing, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS
2001
DeKalb Avenue Subway Station, Brooklyn, NY
1998
New York City Transit Authority Poster Art Series, New York, NY
SELECTED PUBLIC ART FINALIST PROJECTS
2026
Borough-Based Jails Public Art Program, New York, NY
2025
PS 6389-6393 Broadway, Bronx, NY
2025
PS/IS Building, Staten Island, NY
2025
Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO
2023
Art Nine Disc Golf Course, Johnson County Park and Recreation District, Lenexa, KS
2023
State Capitol Suffragette Memorial Mural, Topeka, KS
2023
KC Streetcar Main Street Extension, Kansas City, MO
2018
Fire and Medical Station No. 1 and Senior Resource Center, Lawrence, KS
2016
Health Education Building, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
2016
Johnson County Library, Monticello Branch, Shawnee, KS
2013
Granville Metro Station, Chicago, IL
2012
Edwards Campus Grounds, University of Kansas, Overland Park, KS
2004
New York City Subway/MTA Centennial Poster, New York, NY
PUBLISHED CHILDREN'S BOOKS WITH SELECTED HONORS AND AWARDS
2023
My Big Silver Rocket Ship, My Big Red Fire Truck, My Big Blue Robot, My Big Pink Princess Purse, Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, New York, NY
2020
Music Is..., Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, New York, NY
(Mom's Choice Gold Award; Kirkus Starred Review.)
2015
Alphabet School, Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, New York, NY
(2016 Kansas Notable Book; 2016 CCBC Choice for a Concept Book; Kansas State Reading Circle List; Society of Midland Authors Finalist; Junior Library Guild Selection; School Library Journal Starred Review.)
2012
My Little Blue Robot, Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, New York, NY
(Best Pop-Up Books of 2012, Time Out New York Kids; 2013 Premier Print Award for Novelty Books, Leo Paper Products, Inc.)
2010
My Little Pink Princess Purse, Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, New York, NY
(2011 Kansas Notable Book.)
2009
My Little Red Fire Truck, Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, New York, NY
(2009 National Parenting Publication Award/NAPPA.)
2008
A Is for Art: An Abstract Alphabet, Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, New York, NY
(New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year; ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book; 2009 NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts; CCBC Award.)
2006
Tour America: A Journey Through Poems and Art, Poems by Diane Siebert, Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA
(ALA Book Links Best Books of 2006 and Lasting Title Award; Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children's Literature; 2006 Oregon Book Award; 2007 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book; School Library Journal Starred Review; 2007 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People.)
2006
My Little Yellow Taxi, Red Wagon Books/Harcourt, New York, NY
(Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award; New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing; featured reviews in Parenting, Child, New York Family, and Roam magazines; Nick Jr. Best Book of the Year; 2007 Kansas Notable Book.)
2002
As the City Sleeps, Viking/Penguin Putnam, New York, NY
(Publishers Weekly Starred Review.)
2002
My Little Blue Robot, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, New York, NY
(Newsweek holiday selection; New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing.)
2001
Goal, Text by Robert Burleigh, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, New York, NY
(Kirkus Starred Review.)
2000
My Little Red Toolbox, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, New York, NY
(Publishers Weekly Bestseller; Parents' Guide to Children's Media Award; Nick Jr. Best Book of the Year; Publishers Weekly Cuffie Award; Parenting Reading Magic Award.)
2000
On a Wintry Morning, Text by Dori Chaconas, Penguin Putnam, New York, NY
(2001 Archer/Eckblad Award for Children's Picture Book; Publishers Weekly Starred Review.)
1999
Love as Strong as Ginger, Text by Lenore Look, Anne Schwartz Books/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, NY
(International Reading Association Notable Books for a Global Society; School Library Journal Starred Review.)
1998
City by Numbers, Viking/Penguin Putnam, New York, NY
(Parenting Reading Magic Award; Parents Best Books of 1998.)
1997
Hoops, Text by Robert Burleigh, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, New York, NY
(ALA Notable Book; New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing; Booklist Editors' Choice and Starred Review; School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and Starred Review; Publishers Weekly Starred Review; Society of Illustrators Silver Medal, New York, NY.)
1996
The Girl Who Wanted a Song, Text by Steve Sanfield, Harcourt Brace, Orlando, FL
1995
The Tie Man's Miracle, Text by Steven Schnur, Morrow Junior Books, New York, NY
1995
When Solomon Was King, Text by Sheila MacGill-Callahan, Dial Books for Young Readers, New York, NY
1995
Alphabet City, Viking/Penguin Putnam, New York, NY
(1996 Caldecott Honor Book; ALA Notable Book; New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year; Horn Book Fanfare; Parenting Reading Magic Award; Parents Best Books of 1995; New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing; starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, The Horn Book Magazine, and School Library Journal; 1996 Children's Book of Distinction, Hungry Mind Review; Children's Book of the Year with Outstanding Merit, Bank Street Child Study Children's Book Committee; Wisconsin Library Association Outstanding Achievement in Children's Literature; 1996 Children's Books Mean Business, ABA-CBC; featured in its entirety on ABC's Good Morning America with Charlie Gibson and Joan Lunden; Society of Illustrators Gold and Silver Medals, New York, NY.)
1993
A Christmas Carol, Text by Charles Dickens, adapted by Donna Martin, Andrews & McMeel, Kansas City, MO
(One of seven books recommended for the winter holidays by the Associated Press.)
1993
The Snow Wife, Text by Robert D. San Souci, Dial Books for Young Readers, New York, NY
1992
The Nutcracker Ballet, Text by Melissa Hayden, Andrews & McMeel, Kansas City, MO
(Book-of-the-Month Club Main Selection.)
1992
The Samurai's Daughter, Text by Robert D. San Souci, Dial Books for Young Readers, New York, NY
(American Booksellers Association Pick of the Lists; IRA Teachers' Choice; NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies.)
MUSEUM AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, St. Joseph, MO
American Library in Paris, Paris, France
Artists' Files, Spencer Art Research Library, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO
Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY
Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Eaton Collection, University of California, Riverside, CA
Hunterdon Art Museum, Clinton, NJ
Kansas Collection, Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Kerlan Collection, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Mazza Museum, University of Findlay, Findlay, OH
Mulvane Art Museum, Washburn University, Topeka, KS
Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, NY
National Building Museum, Washington, DC
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, CT
Philip A. Sadler Research Collection, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
Price Tower Art Center, Bartlesville, OK
Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum, Bloomington Park, Clinton, KS
Zimmerli Art Museum, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
SELECTED CORPORATE, COMMERCIAL, AND INSTITUTIONAL COLLECTIONS
Arrello Luxury Apartments, Olathe, KS
Arts and Culture Alliance, Marshalltown, IA
MTA Arts & Design, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, NY
Boston Beer Company, Inc., Boston, MA
Cider Gallery, Lawrence, KS
City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, Dallas, TX
City of Lawrence, Lawrence, KS
Emprise Financial Corporation, Wichita, KS
Eurowinegate Inc., Cognac, France
Flint Hills Holdings, Prairie Village, KS
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI
Hallmark Cards, Inc., Kansas City, MO
Kansas Leadership Center, Wichita, KS
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, New York, NY
Mayer of Munich, Munich, Germany
Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
Metro Art, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles, CA
One Light and Two Light Luxury Apartments, Kansas City, MO
Penn Street Lofts, Lawrence, KS
School of Business, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Stevens & Brand LLP, Lawrence, KS
University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
Wonder Lofts, Kansas City, MO
SELECTED PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Alan Mulally, former President and CEO, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI
Amy Berkower, President and CEO, Writers House literary agency, New York, NY
Ann Willoughby, Principal Emeritus, Willoughby Design, Kansas City, MO
Cherry Jones, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, Los Angeles, CA
Daniel Weiss, former Publisher, Barnes & Noble Books, New York, NY
Gregory Manchess, Hamilton King Award-winning author and illustrator, New York, NY
Harold O. Levy, former New York City Schools Chancellor, New York, NY
Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, Founder and CEO, CÎROC Vodka and G'Vine Gin, Cognac, France
Marty Diamond, Executive Vice President and Managing Executive, Wasserman Music, New York, NY
Mike Michaelis, former President and CEO, Emprise Bank, Wichita, KS
Ned Yost, former Kansas City Royals Manager and Major League Baseball catcher, Kansas City, MO
Paul O. Zelinsky, Caldecott Award-winning children's-book author and illustrator, Brooklyn, NY
Paul Simon, Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, and actor, New York, NY
Paula Wiseman, Publisher, Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, New York, NY
Rocco Landesman, Broadway theater producer and former Chairman, NEA, Miami, FL
Susan Tate, former CEO, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
SELECTED AWARDS AND HONORS
2024
Distinguished Alumni Award, School of Architecture & Design, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2021
Rocket Relief Grant, Charlotte Street Foundation, Spencer Museum of Art, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Kansas City, MO
2020
CODAawards Top 100 Public Artworks, CODAworx, Madison, WI
2017
Artist INC Fellow, Lawrence, KS
2015
Imagination Highway Grant, U.S. Bank, Lawrence, KS (also awarded in 2013, 2012, 2010, 2006, and 2005)
2008
A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, New York, NY
2006
Featured Artist, Lawrence Arts Center Benefit Art Auction, Lawrence, KS
2005
Governor's Art Award for Individual Artist, presented by former Governor, Kathleen Sebelius, Topeka, KS
2004
Phoenix Award for Exceptional Artistic Achievement by an Individual Artist, Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission, Lawrence, KS
2002
Hall of Honor, Lawrence High School, Lawrence, KS
2000
Publishers Weekly Bestseller for My Little Red Toolbox, Harcourt, New York, NY
1999
Gold Medal, Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, NY
1999
Board of Directors Award, Pastel Society of America, New York, NY
1998
Silver Medal, Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, NY
1998
Board of Directors Award, Pastel Society of America, New York, NY
1997
Chair, Original Art Exhibition, Society of Illustrators, New York, NY
1996
Caldecott Honor, American Library Association, New York, NY
1996
Gold Medal, Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, NY
1995
A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, New York, NY
1995
Silver Medal, Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, NY
1995
Sanford Corporation Award, Pastel Society of America, New York, NY
1995
Washington Square Outdoor Award, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY
1994
Yarka Award, Audubon Society, New York, NY
1994
Knickerbocker Artists Award, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY
1993
H. K. Holbein Award, Pastel Society of America, New York, NY
1993
Alice Melrose Memorial Award, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY
1992
David Humphrey Memorial Award, Allied Artists of America, New York, NY
1992
Philip Isenberg Memorial Award, Pastel Society of America, New York, NY
1988
Three Time Magazine Cover Commissions, New York, NY
1987
Kirchoff/Wohlberg Award, Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition, New York, NY
1987
Best of Show, R. Eastwood Gallery, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
1987
Student Scholarship Award, Department of Art and Design, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
1986
Best of Show Scholarship Award and Traveling Scholarship Award, Department of Art and Design, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
1984
Pi Delta Phi National French Honor Society Study Abroad Scholarship, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2021–Present
Sequential and Narrative Illustration, Drawing Media, and Drawing Workshops, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2020–2021
Artistic Healing Arts Initiative, Osawatomie State Hospital, Osawatomie, KS
2013–2019
Extreme Drawing, Drawing for Design, Drawing Media, and Illustration Concepts, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2017
Mentorship Program in Children's Book Illustration, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Kansas City, MO
2013
Mentorship Program in Painting, Art Institute of Boston, Boston, MA
2013
Junior Narrative Illustration, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO
2006
Mentorship Program in Creative Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2001
Independent Graduate Study Program in Illustration, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
2000
Senior Illustration, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
1999
Independent Graduate Study Program in Illustration, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
1999
Mentorship Program in Illustration, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY
1998
Senior Illustration, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
1996
Mentorship Program in Illustration, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY
1987
Portrait Painting in Watercolor, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
SELECTED COMMERCIAL CLIENTS
Abrams, New York, NY
Air Jordans – Nike
Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York, NY
Atheneum Books, New York, NY
BMG Records, New York, NY
Business Tokyo Magazine, New York, NY
CBS Records, New York, NY
City of Dallas, Office of Cultural Affairs, Dallas, TX
Contemporary Books, Chicago, IL
Doubleday Books, New York, NY
Dutton Books, New York, NY
Ear Magazine, New York, NY
Forbes Magazine, New York, NY
General Motors, Flint, MI
GQ Magazine, New York, NY
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, NY
Hallmark Cards, Kansas City, MO
HarperCollins, New York, NY
Hearst Publishing, New York, NY
Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA
H.W. Wilson Publishing, Bronx, NY
Jewish Television Network, Los Angeles, CA
The Kansas City Star Magazine, Kansas City, MO
Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO
The Kansas City Star Books, Kansas City, MO
Kansas Theatre Association, Kansas City, KS
Lindt & Sprüngli, Kilchberg, Switzerland
Lucasfilm Ltd., San Francisco, CA
Macmillan Publishing, New York, NY
Manpower Inc., Milwaukee, WI
Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
Meals On Wheels/Mid-American Nutrition Program Inc., Ottawa, KS
Missouri State Ballet, Kansas City, MO
Museum of Natural History, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
The New Yorker, New York, NY
The New York Times, New York, NY
The 92nd Street Y, New York, NY
Peaceable Kingdom Press, San Francisco, CA
The Petrarch Press, New York, NY
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA
Philomel Books, New York, NY
Pipeline Entrepreneurs, Inc., Kansas City, MO
Random House, New York, NY
RCA Records, New York, NY
Sony Classical Records, New York, NY
St. Martin’s Press, New York, NY
Steven Spielberg & Starbright Foundation, Los Angeles, CA
Tiffany & Co., New York, NY
Time Magazine, New York, NY
The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL
U.S. Postal Service, Washington, DC
Vanity Fair Magazine, New York, NY
ADDITIONAL ART EDUCATION
1996–1999
Cooper Union, Figure Drawing with Shelley Haven, New York, NY
1993–1994
The New School, Art Criticism and Going to Galleries with Critic Jerry Saltz, New York, NY
New York Academy of Art, Figure Painting with John Wellington, New York, NY
1990–1992
New York Academy of Art, Portrait Painting with Margaret Bowland, New York, NY
1989
Studio Hill Farm, Pastel Portrait Painting Workshop with Daniel Greene, North Salem, NY
1988
Art Students League, Figure Drawing, New York, NY
1985–1986
Lawrence Arts Center, Watercolor Painting with Diana Dunkley, Lawrence, KS
SELECTED LECTURES, PRESENTATIONS, AND WORKSHOPS
2026
Convocation Speaker, Bishop Seabury Academy, Lawrence, KS
2026
Keynote Speaker – Free State Book Festival, Lawrence Public Library, Lawrence, KS
2025
Artist Talk – Cider Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2025
Artist Talk – Edgar Heap of Birds Gallery, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2024
Summer Camp Workshops and Presentations – National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, UMKC, Kansas City, MO
2023
Panelist – “First Books for First Readers,” 2023 Kansas Book Festival, Washburn University, Topeka, KS
2023
Featured Presenter – Children’s Literature Festival, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
2022
Artist Talk – Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, St. Joseph, MO
2022
Featured Presenter – Franklin County Literature Festival, Ottawa, KS
2022
Featured Presenter – Matfield Green Works Summer Series, Matfield Green, KS
2022
Featured Presenter and Panelist – Subject, Transformation, Joy – Exploring an Idea from Spark to Publication for Children’s Books, Kansas Authors Club Conference, Lawrence, KS
2021
Panelist – “Picture That! The Artist’s Side of Picture Books,” 2021 Kansas Book Festival, Washburn University, Topeka, KS
2021
Drawing Workshop, Design Week, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2021
Artist Talk – Kleppe Visiting Artist Series, School of Fine and Performing Arts, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
2021
Featured Presenter – “Looking at Art with Stephen T. Johnson,” The American Library in Paris, Paris, France
2021
Artist Talk – “Illustrators Tonight Show with Professor Ted Michalowski,” SCAD, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
2020
Featured Presenter – Snack & Read LIVE, “Music Is…,” SimonKIDS/Facebook Live
2020
Featured Presenter – Weekend Conference, Mazza Museum, University of Findlay, Findlay, OH
2020
Panelist – “Art in Jails: Healing the Harm - Resilient Justice: Design for Purpose, Power, and Potential,” AAJ Conference 2020, American Institute of Architects, New York, NY
2020
Panelist – “Art for Healing and Mitigation of Harm in Our Jails and Prisons,” AIANY Architecture for Justice Virtual Conference, American Institute of Architects, New York, NY
2020
Keynote Speaker – Plum Creek Children’s Literacy Festival 4th Annual Breakfast and Books, Concordia University, Seward, NE
2019
Panelist – Spencer Museum of Art – “Power of Place,” University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2019
Featured Presenter – Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
2019
Featured Presenter – Children’s Literature Festival, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
2019
Artist Talk – “Insight Artist Talk,” Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2019
Artist Talk – Lenexa City Center Library, Lenexa, KS
2018
Featured Presenter – Children’s Literature Festival, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
2018
Artist Talk – McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation, McPherson, KS
2017
Artist Talk – Art Directors Circle, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2017
Featured Presenter – Children’s Literature Festival, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
2017
Featured Presenter – Franklin County Literature Festival, Ottawa, KS
2017
Artist Talk – Missouri Western State University, Saint Joseph, MO
2017
Artist Talk – Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
2016
Keynote Speaker – Strong Collection Literature Children’s Lecture, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2016
Featured Presenter – Children’s Literature Festival, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
2016
Artist Talk – Cider Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2016
Featured Presenter – Second Story Festival of Arts & Ideas, Fort Scott, KS
2016
Featured Presenter – 6th Annual Kansas Book Festival, Topeka, KS
2015
Featured Presenter – American Library Association Conference, San Francisco, CA
2015
Artist Talk and Workshop – Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR
2015
Featured Presenter – Franklin County Literature Festival, Ottawa, KS
2015
Featured Presenter – National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Conference, Orlando, FL
2015
Workshop and Presentation – Young Writers Workshop, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Manhattan, KS
2014
Workshop and Presentation – Friends University, Wichita, KS
2014
Workshop and Presentation – Kansas Alliance for the Arts in Education, Wichita, KS
2013
Workshop and Presentation – Allen County Community College, Iola, KS
2013
Workshop and Presentation – SCBWI Regional Conference, Kansas City, MO
2013
Featured Presenter – Kansas Author Dinner, Wichita Alumni Association, Wichita, KS
2012
Artist Talk – Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, AL
2012
Featured Presenter – Endacott Society, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2012
Featured Presenter – Franklin County Literature Festival, Ottawa, KS
2012
Featured Presenter – Iola Public Library Reading Festival, Iola, KS
2012
Artist Talk – Kansas City Public Library, Central Library, Kansas City, MO
2012
Workshops and Presentations – SCBWI Conference, Kansas City, MO –
2012
Featured Presenter – Spencer Museum of Art, Lawrence, KS
2011
Weeklong Presentations and Workshops – American School, Lima, Peru
2011
Featured Presenter – Kansas Book Festival, Topeka, KS
2011
Featured Presenter – Marywood University and Keystone College, Scranton, PA
2011
Artist Talk – Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center, Pueblo, CO
2011
Artist Talk – Spencer Museum of Art, Lawrence, KS
2011
Hallmark Symposium Speaker – Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2010
Artist Talk – Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas, TX
2010
Featured Presenter – Penn State Harrisburg, Harrisburg, PA
2009
Artist Talk and Workshop – Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, MO
2009
Artist Talk – Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, CA
2009
Featured Presenter – New York City Public Library, New York, NY
2009
Featured Presenter – NCTE Conference, Philadelphia, PA
2009
Featured Presenter – Franklin County Literature Festival, Ottawa, KS
2008
Featured Presenter – American Library Association, Anaheim, CA
2008
Featured Presenter – Franklin County Literature Festival, Ottawa, KS
2008
Featured Presenter – Kansas Art Education Association Conference, Lawrence, KS
2008
Featured Presenter – Kansas City Literary Festival, Kansas City, MO
2008
Featured Presenter – Children’s Literature Conference, Manhattan, KS
2008
Artist Talk – Price Tower Arts Center, Bartlesville, OK
2008
Featured Presenter – Rotary Club, Lawrence, KS
2008
Artist Talk – Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum, Clinton, KS
2007
Featured Presenter – Brigham Young University Literature Conference, Provo, UT
2007
Featured Presenter – Kansas Book Festival, Koch Arena, Wichita, KS
2007
Artist Talk – Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, NY
2007
Weeklong Presentations – Midway Reads Festival, Waco, TX
2007
Featured Presenter – River City Reading Festival, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2007
Featured Presenter – Spencer Museum of Art, Lawrence, KS
2007
Featured Presenter – Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
2006
Artist Talk – Art History Department, Washburn University, Topeka, KS
2006
Artist Talk – Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2005
Featured Presenter – DNA Literature Festival, Kansas City, MO
2004
Featured Presenter – The American Institute of Architects Conference, Kansas City, MO
2004
Featured Presenter – Writers Conference, Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods, Kansas City, MO
2003
Featured Presenter – Columbus College of Art & Design, Columbus, OH
2003
Commencement Speaker – Central Junior High School, Lawrence, KS
2003
Featured Presenter – School of Law, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2002
Artist Talk – Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
2002
Featured Presenter – Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2001
Hallmark Symposium Speaker – Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2001
Artist Talk – Syracuse University Graduate Illustration Program, Syracuse, NY
2000
Artist Talk – Cahoon Museum of American Art, Cotuit, MA
2000
Artist Talk – Memorial Art Gallery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
2000
Artist Talk – New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, CT
1999
Featured Presenter – Syracuse University Graduate Illustration Program, Syracuse, NY
1999
Featured Presenter – Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, NY
1998
Featured Presenter – The Drawing Center, New York, NY
1998
Featured Presenter – Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, NY
1997
Featured Presenter – American Library Association Conference, San Francisco, CA
1997
Artist Talk – Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, NY
1996
Featured Presenter – Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA
1996
Featured Presenter – University of Georgia, Athens, GA
1994
Artist Talk and Workshop – Center for the Arts Gallery, Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN
1994
Hallmark Symposium Speaker – Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
1990
Artist Talk – University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
1989
Hallmark Symposium Speaker – Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
TELEVISION, RADIO, VIDEO, AND PODCAST BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Lance. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” The Fort Builders podcast, Monday, April 13, 2026.
Hertzog, Steven. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson, Artist and Published Author,” Lawrence Business Magazine Show, KLWN-AM 1320, Lawrence, KS, 9:00 AM, Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Todd, John. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson regarding his exhibition at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures in Kansas City,” KKFI 90.1 FM, Kansas City, MO, 9:00 AM, Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
Hertzog, Steven. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson, Artist and Published Author,” Lawrence Business Magazine Show, KLWN-AM 1320, Lawrence, KS, June 15, 2023.
McIntyre, Kaye. “Interview with Kansas Notable Books Awardee Stephen T. Johnson,” KPR Presents, Kansas Public Radio, Lawrence, Kansas, 7:00 PM, Sunday, May 22, 2022.
Berland, Jackson. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson about his career as an artist,” Shadow Kansas, Wildcat 91.9 FM, 1:00 PM, Sunday, February 28, 2021.
Vasquez Boyd, Maria. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson regarding his new book Music Is…,” KKFI 90.1 FM, Kansas City, MO, 12:00 PM, Wednesday, December 16, 2020.
Barr, Jason. “Artist Stephen T. Johnson.” A.D.D. Podcast with Jason Barr, April 24, 2018.
Vasquez Boyd, Maria. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson regarding his Lenexa Library public art commission,” KKFI 90.1 FM, Kansas City, MO, March 21, 2018.
Vasquez Boyd, Maria. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson regarding his solo exhibition at Weinberger Fine Art,” KKFI 90.1 FM, Kansas City, MO, May 3, 2017.
Hertzog, Steven. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson, Artist and Published Author,” Lawrence Business Magazine Show, KLWN-AM, November 15, 2016.
Hipp, Ralph. “Red Couch Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” WIBW-TV, CBS, Topeka, KS, September 6, 2016.
McIntyre, Kaye. “Interview with Kansas Notable Books Awardee Stephen T. Johnson,” KPR Presents, Kansas Public Radio, Lawrence, Kansas, 6:00 PM, Thursday, December 8, 2016.
Anderson, Mike. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” The Not So Late Show, WOW Television, Lawrence, KS, October 7, 2015.
Spencer, Laura. “Eight Artists Selected for East Ninth Street Project in Lawrence, KCUR.org 89.3 FM, Tuesday, August 4, 2015.
Long, Carolyn. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” KCTV5 News at 4 p.m., Kansas City, KS, Friday, April 20, 2012.
Anderson, Mike. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” The Not So Late Show, Knology, Lawrence, KS, January 11, 2012.
Capitol Federal Bank. Television commercial featuring the book “Alphabet City” by Stephen T. Johnson for a promotional campaign. ABC, CBS, and NBC regional affiliates. October–November, 2011.
Hurd, Greg. Rebroadcast of “Dance of the Rings,” Interview with Stephen T. Johnson and his Freedom Rings sculpture, River City Weekly, Sunflower Cablevision, Lawrence, KS, May 2–6, 2011.
Hipp, Ralph. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” WIBW-TV, CBS, Topeka, KS, April 25, 2011.
Quinn, Kathy. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” KC Forum, Q104 & Alice 102 Radio, Kansas City, MO, Sunday, October 26, 2011.
Hurd, Greg. “Dance of the Rings,” Interview with Stephen T. Johnson and his Freedom Rings sculpture, River City Weekly, Sunflower Cablevision, Lawrence, KS, July 21–28, 2010.
Hurd, Greg. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson regarding his new work An Abstract Alphabet and his exhibition at the Spencer Museum of Art,” River City Weekly, Sunflower Cablevision, Lawrence, KS, July 25, 2007.
Anthony, Brett. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” Kansas City Live, KSHB-TV, NBC Television, December 21, 2007.
Anthony, Brett. Special showcase of “My Little Yellow Taxi,” by Stephen T. Johnson, Kansas City Live, KSHB-TV, NBC Television, October 2, 2007.
Hurd, Greg. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” River City Weekly, Sunflower Cablevision, Lawrence, KS, March 29, 2006.
Reid, Janet. “Stephen T. Johnson & the Sesquicentennial Sculpture,” 6 News Lawrence, Sunflower Broadband Cablevision, July 21, 2005.
Lehrer, Harvey – Director, TN Productions in association with PBS Television. “Chanukah Stories,” Actor Jamie Gertz, narrator, “The Tie Man’s Miracle” with 3D animation of Stephen T. Johnson’s illustrations. November–December. Released on DVD in 2007.
Wehner, Brooke. “Stephen T. Johnson’s sculpture unveiled at Lied Center,” 6 News Lawrence, Sunflower Broadband Cablevision, April 1, 2004.
Hiland, Susan. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” Fox Evening News, WDAF-TV FOX4, Kansas City, MO, September 21, 2002.
Hurd, Greg. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” River City Weekly, Sunflower Cablevision, Lawrence, KS, January 3, 2001.
Long, Melissa. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson regarding the exhibition Alphabet City and City by Numbers at the Memorial Art Gallery,” Sunrise, WROC-TV, Rochester, NY, April 5, 2000.
Gibson, Charlie and Lunden, Joan. Discussion of images and book Alphabet City by Stephen T. Johnson, Good Morning America, ABC Television, March 6, 1996.
Plunkett, Stephanie. “The Art of Enchantment Exhibition at The Norman Rockwell Museum of Art,” Cutting Edge Video Production, 1996.
Todt, Anne-Marie. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson,” 6 News Lawrence, Sunflower Broadband Cablevision, November 29, 1992.
SELECTED FEATURE ARTICLES AND PROFILES
White, Darin. “Curiosity Is Key: Stephen T. Johnson.” Lawrence Business Magazine, “Made in Douglas County” issue, Q3 2026.
Carroll, Maureen. “Interview with Stephen T. Johnson.” Cover feature and cover art by Stephen T. Johnson, pages 142–147, The Write Bridge: Freedom & Tyranny, Anamcara Press LLC, Issue #9, Summer 2026.
Luder, Bob. “All in the Family.” Cover feature, The Impact of Art, Lawrence Business Magazine, Q4 2025.
Dyer, Diana. “Art of Imagination: Stephen T. Johnson,” Mension: The Newsletter of the Mid-America Mensa Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri, Vol. 52, No. 8, August 2024.
Hellman, Rick. “Book Series Soars to New Heights,” KU News, Monday, June 12, 2023.
Hellman, Rick. “In New Exhibition, Stephen T. Johnson Shares His Influences,” KU News, Friday, April 4, 2022.
Hellman, Rick. “Music Is…a Gift,” KU Today & Tomorrow Magazine, Issue 2021–2022.
Brandstätter, Ursula. “Transformieren: Wissen generieren durch intermodale und intermediale Wechselspiele,” Das Wissen der Künste, Universität der Künste, Berlin, Issue #10, May 2021.
Danielson, Julie. “Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast Featuring Stephen T. Johnson and Romana Romanyshyn & Andriy Lesiv,” #724, January 3, 2021.
Hellman, Rick. “For Caldecott Medal-Winning Author Stephen T. Johnson, ‘Music is…’ a Gift,” KU News, Monday, November 16, 2020.
Dyer, Diana. “Interconnections by Stephen Johnson,” Mension: The Newsletter of the Mid-America Mensa Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri, Vol. 48, No. 7, July 2020.
Featured Illustrator Stephen T. Johnson, SCBWI. (November 2019.) Retrieved from https://ksmo.scbwi.org
Lazzarino, Chris. “Johnson uses new Lenexa murals to inspire students to go make art.” Kansas Alumni Magazine, Issue 5, 2019.
Hellman, Rick. “Alphabet Books Inspire New Library’s Public Art.” KU News, June 12, 2019.
Hellman, Rick. “Artist Focuses on the Rhythms of the Street.” KU News, Wednesday, March 23, 2019.
Green, Chris. “FREEFORM – Stephen T. Johnson,” featured Artist profile, The Journal, Volume 6, Issue 3, published by Kansas Leadership Center, Fall, 2014.
Fraley, Amber. “In the visual, linguistic world of Stephen T. Johnson… Anything is Possible,” Lawrence Magazine, Summer, 2013.
Hoedel, Cindy. “Portrait of an Illustrator,” The Kansas City Star Magazine, Sunday, April 15, 2012.
Thummel, Cisley. “Mixed Media Master - Area artist draws nationwide attention for art in (almost) every form,” 435 South Magazine, July issue, 2011.
Hart, Nicki. “Q & A with Stephen T. Johnson,” MOSAIC, Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center Publication, Winter/Spring issue, 2011.
Sonnema, Roy B. “From A to Z, Artist explores links between words and images” LIFE: Arts & Entertainment, The Pueblo Chieftain, Thursday, February 10, 2011.
Niccum, Jon. “Tower of Power,” Pulse, Lawrence Journal-World, Friday, June 19, 2009.
Rombeck, Terry. ”Lawrence Author Releases ‘A is for Art’,” Pulse, Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, September 14, 2008.
Rombeck, Terry. ”Guiding Light: Sculpture aims to attract visitors to museum,” Pulse, Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, May 25, 2008.
Hoag, Andrea. “More than a footnote.” Lawrence Magazine, Fall issue, 2007.
Helm, Megan. “Adult Art Aficionados Appreciate Alliteration: Stephen Johnson’s Abstract Alphabet at the Spencer Museum of Art.” Present Magazine, June Issue, 2007.
Rombeck, Terry. “A is for Artist - Abstract Alphabet spells new direction for Lawrence creator,” Pulse, Lawrence Journal-World, Saturday, May 19, 2007.
Paget, Mindie. “For Art’s Sake; Stephen Johnson Honored,” Pulse, Lawrence Journal-World, March 29, 2006.
Mitchell, Rick. “Stephen T. Johnson Featured Artist Lawrence Art Auction,” The Arts in Action, February 26–April 8, issue, 2006.
Barland, Aly. “Stephen Johnson: An arrangement in creativity, passion and courage,” KUJH Online, September 21, 2005.
Lazzarino, Chris. “Visitor Illustrating Man,” KS Alumni Magazine, Volume 99, No. 6, 2001.
Hummels, Jill. “Johnson Builds a Unique Children’s Book,” Arts & Living Section, Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, August 6, 2000.
Mitchell, Rick. “Drawings From Life, Drawings, Paintings and Illustrations by Ted and Stephen Johnson,” The Arts in Action, December/February Issue, 1998.
Montgomery, Paula. “Hooked on Seeing in a Different Way to Make Picture Books, Stephen T. Johnson,” School Library Media Activities Monthly, April Issue, 1997.
Woodward, Bill. “Man of Letters,” Kansas Alumni Magazine, May issue, 1996.
Kandler, Sara. “Colorful Characters,” Brooklyn Bridge Magazine, February issue, 1996.
Morrison, Sarah. “For KU Graduate Stephen Johnson, writing an award-winning alphabet book for children was as easy as ABC,” The University Kansan, January 29, 1996.
Hall, Linda. “The Letterman,” New York Magazine, October 30, 1995.
Biles, Jan. “One man’s city, is another man’s ART,” Arts & Living Section, Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, November 26, 1995.
San Souci, Robert D. “Out of Misty Dreams; The Enchanted Art of Stephen T. Johnson” Realms of Fantasy Magazine, October Issue, 1995.
McMaster, Carolyn. “An Eye for Illustration,” Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, January 25, 1987.
Sanner, Jennifer Jackson. “Illustrious Beginning; Artist Stephen Johnson Draws Upon Family Tradition,” Kansas Alumni Magazine, June issue, 1987.
SELECTED REVIEWS AND CRITICAL WRITING
Colvin, Andrea. “Pandemic Missed Connections: Books for kids and teens that may have gotten lost in the shuffle.” Publishers Weekly, August 19, 2021.
Staff. “Music Is…,” [Starred Review], Kirkus Reviews, October 27, 2020.
McConnel, Jen. “Music Is…” School Library Journal, September 2020.
Lambert, Don. “Mounting the Mundane at the Mulvane,” REVIEW, September 15, 2010.
Zerkin, Becca. “A is for Art: An Abstract Alphabet” The New York Times Book Review, November 9, 2008.
Nel, Philip. “The Fall and Rise of Children’s Literature.” American Art: Smithsonian American Art Museum, The University of Chicago Press, Volume 22, Number 1, Spring 2008.
Stokstad, Marilyn. “Ingenuity enlivens KU gallery.” Lawrence Journal-World, July 26, 2007.
McMahon, Regan. “Tour America,” San Francisco Chronicle, June 25, 2006.
Zerkin, Rebecca. “Tour America,” The New York Times Book Review, June 4, 2006.
Sawyers, June. “Tour America,” Chicago Tribune, June 4, 2006.
Bock, Lee. “Tour America,” School Library Journal, June issue, 2006.
Engelfried, Stephen. “Artful Alphabets,” School Library Journal, January issue, 2006.
Bookshelf Section. “As The City Sleeps,” The New York Times Book Review, March 9, 2003.
Tip Sheet Section, “My Little Blue Robot,” Newsweek Magazine, December 2, 2002.
Court, Ayesha. “My Little Blue Robot,” USA Today, December 5, 2002.
Aid, Gator. “Moving On Up,” Publishers Weekly, February 26, 2001.
Marcus, Leonard. “Reading Magic Awards,” Parenting Magazine, January/December issue, 2001.
Blair, Alex. “Books to Gladden the Hearts,” New York Post, November 25, 2000.
Gowen, Heather. “Interactive Stories,” Parents Magazine, November issue, 2000.
Bookshelf Section. “City By Numbers,” The New York Times Book Review, January 17, 1999.
Marcus, Leonard. “City By Numbers,” Parenting Magazine, December/January, 1999.
Estes, Sally. “Top 10 Youth Sports Books,” Booklist, September 1, 1998.
Book Editor. “Hoops,” Publishers Weekly, October 6, 1997.
Veeder, Mary Harris. “Hoops,” Chicago Tribune, Sunday, October 12, 1997.
Rockman, Connie C. “Hoops,” School Library Journal, November issue, 1997.
Phelan, Carolyn. “Hoops,” Booklist, November 15, 1997.
Book Editor. “Hoops,” The Boston Globe, December 7, 1997.
McCormick, Patricia. “Parents Picks; The Best of 1995,” Parents Magazine, December Issue, 1995.
Goldberger, Paul. “Alphabet City” The New York Times Book Review, November 12, 1995.
Bookshelf Section. “When Solomon was King,” The New York Times Book Review, June 18, 1995.
Philbrook, John. “Charming Folktales of Japan,” The San Francisco Chronicle, December 27, 1992.
SELECTED PRINT AND WEB BIBLIOGRAPHY
Walsh, Philip and Hadas, Rachel. “A Folded History: Poems and Mythologies,” Ragged Sky Press, 2025.
Carney, Devon. “From NY to KC: Donna and Rex Martin’s Lifelong Passion for Dance and the Art.” Kansas City Ballet Newsletter, December 2, 2025.
Bloodworth, Sandra; Hageman, Cheryl. “Contemporary Art Underground: MTA Arts & Design New York,” The Monacelli Press, 2024.
Mayer, Petra; Mayer Michael. “Mayer of Munich,” Mayer’sche Hofkunstanstalt GmbH, 2024.
Motter, Sarah. “New book published by KU graduate, lecturer picked up by national publisher,” WIBW.com, June 12, 2023.
Editor. “Who’s Who in America, 76th Anniversary Edition,” Marquis Publishing, 2023.
Meyer, Susanna. “Music to the Eyes: ’Scherzo’ sculpture installed at Marshalltown Performing Arts Center,” Times-Republican, June 25, 2022.
Staff. “New artwork installation coming to Marshalltown Performing Arts Center,” Times-Republican, June 15, 2022.
Callahan, Kim. “Giant flowers spring up on apartment complex are about celebrating the community,” Lawrence Journal-World, November 10, 2021.
Lawharon, Chad. “Heartland Community Health expects new location will bring new patients, greater appreciation for the nonprofit’s mission.” Lawrence Journal-World, October 30, 2021.
Babcock, Trevor. “Performing Arts Center Artwork Finalized,” Times-Republican, August 4, 2021.
Staff. “What Art Should Be at Center?” Times-Republican, June 29, 2021.
Staff. “Books in brief,” featuring “Music Is…,” Kansas Alumni Magazine, Issue 1, 2021.
Lance, Angelica. “KU professor features new mosaic artworks at Johnson County Public Library,” The University Daily Kansan (UDK), July 25, 2019.
Rossi, Skyler. “Newest library is ‘a natural fit’ for Lenexa City Center.” Kansascity.com, Wednesday, June 5, 2019.
Wankum, Leah. “Brand new Lenexa City Center Library set to open June 2.” Shawnee Mission Post, May 29, 2019.
Adams, Elaine. “New Lenexa library to open on June 2,” The Kansas City Star, February 21, 2019.
Fraley, Amber. “Kansas Children’s Book Illustrators to Know,” KANSAS! Magazine, Literary Issue, Spring, 2018.
McNair, Jonda C. “Featured Artist,” Mirrors and Windows, Fall, 2018.
Edlund, Carolyn. “Featured Artist,” ARTSY SHARK, January 9, 2018.
Editor. KUDO’s, Volume 3, University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design, Fall, 2018.
Hawks, John Jared. “Area seniors receive unexpected gifts,” Ottawa Herald - Weekender, December 23-24, 2017.
Hammill, Roxie. “Caldecott award-winning author will design $200,000 art installation for new Lenexa library branch,” Shawnee Mission Post, December 18, 2017.
Biele, Heather. “Hail to the Hawks - local artists pay tribute the 150 years of tradition with new twists on our treasured mascot” Kansas Alumni Magazine, No 2, 2016.
Gage, Mary. “LM Bookmarks: Lawrence authors explore family relations, family upheaval and familiar letters in familiar places,” Lawrence Magazine, Fall 2016.
Fortun, Kim. “Figuring Out Theory: Ethnographic Sketches,” essay in “Theory can be more than it used to be,” Cornell University Press, 2015.
Staff. “Talking with artist and children’s author Stephen Johnson.” Lawrence.com, Friday, December 18, 2015.
Hlavacek, Joanna. “Getting to know you: An introduction to East Ninth Project’s Commissioned artists,” Lawrence Journal-World, Wednesday, August 5, 2015.
Ayres, Bill and Bloodworth, Sandra. “New York’s Underground Art Museum: MTA Arts & Design,” The Monacelli Press, 2nd edition, New York City, NY, 2014.
Mayer, Gabriel. “Architecture Glass Art: Franz Mayer of Munich Mayer’sche Hofkunstanstalt,” Himer Verlag, Munich, 2013.
Shepherd, Sara. “New gallery and event space brings fine art to east Lawrence,” Lawrence Journal-World, Wednesday, April 24, 2013.
Magill, Lee. “Best pop-up books of 2012 for pre-K and elementary-school kids,” Time Out New York Kids, Tuesday, December 4, 2012.
Paul, Pamela. “New Interactive and Pop-Up Books,” The New York Times, Wednesday, November 28, 2012.
Conoley, Jessica. “Kansas City Voices,” Whispering Prairie Press, 2012.
Greg, Alicia. “Literate Art,” Electric City, Scranton, PA, November 10, 2011.
Miller, Joe. “Kansas Book Festival showcases homegrown talent,” Pulse, Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, September 18, 2011.
Spiro, Ruth. “Our Favorite Things; A Special Guide to the Best Birthday Gifts for $20 or Less,” Disney Family Fun Magazine, March Issue, 2011.
Henderson, Susan. "Freeform, a sculpture by acclaimed artist Stephen Johnson,” Lawrence Visitor Guide, 2011-2012.
Girl, Kristin. “Star Wars Art: Visions,” ComicAttack.net, November 24, 2010.
Abraham, James. “A Long Time Ago, In a Gallery Far, Far Away,” Inland Empire Weekly, November 2, 2010.
Rinzler, J. W., ed. Star Wars Art: Visions, Abrams, New York, 2010. Limited edition of 500 copies, with signed prints by Moebius, Alex Ross, and Jamie Wyeth.
Blankenship, Bill. “Freedom for the arts,” Weekend—The Capitol-Journal, Friday, July 2, 2010.
Heos, Bridget. “Story time with our illustrious Kansas City Illustrators,” M Magazine, April, issue, 2010.
Townsend, Scarlett. “Bulletin of the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation,” Bulletin, Vol. 22, No. 1, Carnegie Mellon University, Spring, 2010.
Scieszka, Jon. “The Ambassador’s State of the Union,” The Los Angeles Times, Sunday, December 13, 2009.
Cary, Alice. “Our favorite gifts for the littlest readers,” December Issue, Bookpage.com, 2009.
Tollefson, Julie. “Lost Valley,” Lawrence Magazine, Summer, 2009.
Kumar, Lisa. “Something About the Author, Vol. 189,” Gale Group Publishers, September 2008.
Blackledge, Lee. “Register, Volume VII, No. 9,” Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, July 1, 2006—June 30, 2007.
Castaneda, Erin. ”Museum Sculpture Design Unveiled,” Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, June 22, 2008.
Kumar, Lisa. “Something About the Author, Vol. 175,” Gale Group Publishers, September 2007.
Sanner, Jennifer Jackson. “Class Credit,” Kansas Alumni Magazine, No. 2 issue, 2007.
Ayres, Bill and Bloodworth, Sandra. “Along the Way MTA Arts for Transit,” The Monacelli Press, New York, NY, 2006.
Luening, Bill. “Top of the Week,” The Kansas City Star, Sunday, December 24, 2006.
Rombeck, Terry. “Fun fare for kids,” Lawrence Journal-World, October 16, 2006.
Woodward, Bill. Register, Volume VII, Nos. 4, 5, 6 & 7, Spencer Museum of Art, the University of Kansas, June 30, 2006.
Rombeck, Terry. “Fresh Faces - Spencer Museum shows off newest members of its collection,” Pulse, Lawrence Journal-World, August 1, 2005.
Lawhorn, Chad. “Sculpture celebrating freedom unveiled in downtown Lawrence,” Lawrence Journal-World, July 22, 2005.
Paget, Mindie. “Freeform,” Pulse, Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, July 17, 2005.
Schmitt, Chris. “Michelangelo’s To Go,” The New York Sun, Thursday, March 3, 2005.
Eckel, Sara. “Common Touch,” Kansas Alumni Magazine, No. 6., 2004.
Paget, Mindie. “High Art: Phoenix Award recipients rise to top of creative community,” Arts & Living Section, Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, November 7, 2004.
Rombeck, Terry. “Free’ sculpture selected to commemorate sesquicentennial,” Lawrence Journal-World, October 12, 2004.
Paget, Mindie. “Four artists competing in Percent for Art contest,” Arts & Living Section, Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, August 22, 2004.
--. “Lied Center marks 10th year with a special ‘Arrangement’,” Lawrence Journal-World, April 2, 2004.
Eglinski, Georgann. “Happy Birthday, KU Law!,” KU Law Magazine, Spring Issue, 2004.
Lazzarino, Chris. “Uncle Jimmy’s home at last,” Kansas Alumni Magazine, Issue No. 1, 2004.
Paget, Mindie. “Visions of grandeur; Area designers reveal their visions for World Trade Center Memorial,” Arts & Living Section, Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, December 14, 2003.
--. “Lawrence artist chosen to craft anniversary sculpture,” Arts & Living Section, Lawrence Journal-World, Sunday, August 3, 2003.
Kohl, MaryAnn F. “Storybook Art: hands-on art for children in the styles of 100 great picture book Illustrators,” Quality Books, Inc, 2003.
Schlageck, Kathrine Walker. “Beyond Oz: Children’s Book Illustrations from the Region,” Catalog of Exhibition. Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 2002.
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Paget, Mindie. “Project would add art to hospital,” Lawrence Journal-World, December 15, 2001.
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PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND REPRESENTATION
Present Author Representation, Writers House, New York, NY
Present Member, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Los Angeles, CA
2012–2013
Board Member, Exhibition Committee, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS
2011–2013
Board Member, Friends of the Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2006–2008
Advisory Board Member, School of Fine Arts, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS