Jacob Johns, a dedicated artist and passionate activist known for his tireless work and commitment to social and environmental causes, has found himself at the center of a community rallying together after he was shot late last month while protesting in New Mexico. In a touching display of support, friends, fellow artists, and admirers gathered at Shotgun Studios for a benefit art exhibition on Friday to support Johns in his time of need.
Jacob Johns, described as an “impressionist” artist by those who know him, has made a lasting impression on the people around him. Jeff Ferguson, a friend and fellow artist, fondly recalled an incident where Johns showcased his unwavering dedication to his work. “He took a ball of twine and threw it up in the trees and wove this web and hung his paintings in the trees in Riverfront Park,” Ferguson recounted with a laugh. “I just thought, ‘Man, this guy’s dedicated to his work and really wants to sell his work.’”
Friday’s exhibition wasn’t just about showcasing Johns’ artistic talents; it was a powerful display of support and solidarity. Rick Davis, another artist and longtime friend of Johns, expressed, “As you can see, he’s an amazing artist.” Matt Wolf, an artist and part of the community at Shotgun Studios, emphasized the importance of coming together to support a friend who had fallen victim to gun violence while standing up for his beliefs. “It’s inspiring, but also in a way, it’s saddening because we don’t want to see this happen to a friend,” Wolf stated.
A significant gesture was made when Wolf’s girlfriend suggested turning a poetry reading event into a fundraiser for Johns. The response was unanimous. “She said, ‘What if we change the spirit of this event into a fundraiser for a pillar of our community,’ and no one said no,” Wolf explained.
Johns, currently in recovery, is out of critical condition, according to Ferguson. Despite this positive development, the artist-activist faces ongoing health challenges. He has undergone multiple surgeries and is battling infections. The bullet, which entered his torso and lodged in his back, caused damage to multiple organs.
Jacob Johns is renowned for his active and global engagement in environmental and social causes. He has a history of bringing people together, from different walks of life and corners of the world, to amplify important messages and foster positive change. Jeff Ferguson spoke about a planned activism adventure in Dubai, where Johns aimed to lead a climate delegation. The agenda was to ensure that indigenous voices are heard on a global platform.
Ferguson shared, “A big part of the agenda was to go and get indigenous voices heard.” This endeavor was a continuation of their work after a similar trip to Egypt last year for the COP27 global climate summit. Ferguson emphasized the significant impact of Johns’ work, stating, “I can’t imagine all the people he’s affected. To replace somebody who’s willing to do that on a local, regional, national, and global level and sacrifice over and over again for the future of our children and the future of mother earth, that’s hard to find.”
The benefit art exhibition was a heartfelt response from the community, demonstrating their unwavering support for Jacob Johns as he continues his journey to recovery and his mission to make a difference in the world.