The LAAC Gallery currently is exhibiting the work of Jerry Johnson, and locals will have the opportunity to join him for lunch and hear about his work from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. this Thurs., Feb. 18.

Johnson, who earned an M.F.A. from LSU, chairs Troy University’s Department of Art and Design and is a profession of design.

From a very young age, Johnson, who grew up in Oklahoma, was recognized as having a gift for drawing. Although he didn’t grow up in a school system that offered art as a subject, he was granted a competitive art scholarship to a regional college.

During his college years, the artist discovered yet another love of his that would take him through the next decade of his life- that was music. At 19, he was out to change the world through his Christian song-writing and musical performance via a contemporary rock band. Although the money wasn’t there, the passion was and so for the next decade of consistently practicing, writing and touring, Solid Rock’s third album (Real 2 Reel- 1985) finally hit the national charts and appeared in the top ten.

Throughout Johnson’s musical career, he continued to create paintings and do design work, mostly for his band. Eventually, this led him to his first position as a graphic design instructor at Oklahoma State University. Years later, Johnson’s journey has guided him to become the chairman of the Department of Art and Design at TROY.

In addition to his duties at Troy, Johnson continues to work as a freelance designer and consultant. He has specialized in print and packaging media but is now developing a portfolio in multimedia and web design.

The exhibit, “Art of Collaboration: The Joyous Exchange” also includes the work of Diane Orlofsky.

Lunch tickets are $20.for a catered lunch with inspirational and compelling art talk! Call (334-222-3205) or come by The Gallery this week to reserve your spot.