On Tuesday, May 6, acclaimed artist Carla Rae Johnson will officially bring The Arc to a close—a collaborative initiative that, for the past six years, has inspired and connected visual artists, writers, poets, and creative thinkers in a vibrant space of shared creation. The farewell event, titled First Tuesday Salon: The Arc Comes Full Circle, will be held at BeanRunner Café, beginning at 6 p.m.
Johnson will reflect on the experience and share personal memories throughout the evening, which is expected to last at least two hours. This culminating presentation marks the end of a deeply communal process, guided by the artist herself, that gave rise to 96 one-of-a-kind art journals—each born from moments of camaraderie, creativity, and dialogue.
During The Arc Comes Full Circle, her completed sketchbooks will be exhibited, each one carefully bound and documented. Johnson has also invited several of her collaborators—known within the project as “Arc-istes”—to speak about their contributions and the impact of the project on their own creative journeys.
Since its inception in 2010, the First Tuesday Salons—originally held on Mondays—have taken place monthly at the BeanRunner Café, with the goal of fostering creative dialogue between artists and the public. Organized by Johnson, these gatherings have included presentations, readings, panel discussions, and other events centered on visual and literary arts.
A local artist and activist, Johnson has captivated audiences with a body of work that spans drawing, sculpture, performance, and conceptual art—often addressing social, political, and cultural themes. She has been awarded fellowships throughout New York State and has exhibited her work in museums and galleries across the country, including the Brooklyn Museum and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Admission to the event is free, and no reservation is required. However, early arrival is recommended, given the interest The Arc Comes Full Circle has generated. More information about the event is available at Peekskill Arts Alliance.
