STATEMENT
“My purpose is to create every painting that invites the viewer into my world with an inspirational story. My art extends a love of beauty, spotlights emotional interests and personal impression that purely illustrates me as an artist. In my paintings the effects of light transforms mundane images into extraordinary ones. Some paintings need to be controlled to present the distinction of color harmony or realistic clarity while others suggest to be painted in a loose appearance showing communication or freedom of expression.”
BIOGRAPHY
Dawn Kohansky is a painter, illustrator, graphic designer, accomplished in oil, acrylic, pencil and digital artistry. Her journey as an artist began at an early age with a desire to create art. Crayons and craft paper transformed her childhood into a passage of wonder. At the age of eight her first art lesson began with Pat Witt, founder of the Barn Studio of Art, Millville, NJ. She was introduced to many creative techniques using mediums in a world of unlimited possibilities. Dawn’s family background includes many talented artisans, so a love for art was installed in her from the start.
Dawn is a 1980 graduate with a degree in Fashion Illustration, studying painting and graphic design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She was awarded Best Portfolio in outstanding achievement, proficiency and creative performance. As a student, photography trips to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami to tropical wetlands in the Everglades captured her attention for the beauty of nature. Her painting educator, Mimi Botscheller demonstrated unique compositions and methods in a fresh way, so painting became a forever friendship. Dawn resided in Pompano Beach, Florida for ten years and worked as a painter at Walcutt Studios in Boca Raton. During her residence, Graphic Design became a passion for creativity of visual publications and illustration. She joined KallGraphics as a team member, which introduced her to unlimited ideas and imagination. For over thirty years she has been working as a graphic designer, illustrator and painter. In her hometown, Dawn continues to pursue her aspiration as an Independent Artist, owner of Kohansky Art & Design Studio in Millville.
As a painter, she is either in her studio or outdoors with an easel painting Plein-air in beautiful locations. She loves working on personal designs, commissions and freelance projects consisting of landscape, floral, portraiture, still life or computer graphics. Her works have been in numerous shows with national and local represented in public, corporate and private collections. Included are book publications, magazine illustration, logo and advertising design. During 1989-1996 she had taught and designed brochures for Millville Continuing Education programs with adults in stained glass, painting and drawing. Saturday Enrichment Programs for children in drawing, painting and watercolor. In 1999 Dawn was a founding member on the Board of Directors for the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts. The State of New Jersey presented her with a Senate Citation in 2006 for inspired leadership, commitment and service to the RRCA. A Commendation by the State of New Jersey Assembly Representatives of the 1st Legislative District, honored her talents, dedication and achievements in the community for RRCA fifth year anniversary. In 2014, she was inducted into the Millville Fine & Performing Arts Alumni at her High School. In 2015, a certified instructor with Michaels Inc. using pencil and acrylic painting for school aged children and adults. Dawn participated with Art Creates Excellence summer program demonstrating painting and drawing techniques with High School Associate Artists. Instructed one day painting classes for Vineland High School Art students visiting RRCA. For several years as an instructor, demonstrating a painting or other artistic endeavors is always rewarding. Presently, she is an instructor for Art Party events held in the Gallery and works with the Millville Public School System as a substitute teacher.
At Whitemarsh Art Glass in Millville, Dawn is found working together with her brother Scott Adams, owner/glass artist, making lampwork beads, sculpture and functional glass. She uses a gas-oxygen torch to melt glass rods to form a hot bead of various shapes and colors. Back in her studio she creates jewelry designs of distinctive wearable art. Dawn continues on a path to explore new techniques and compositions, to develop and grow as an artist. She enjoys her time with family, friends, Mollie her golden retriever and the love of nature.
Dawn’s work can be seen on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DawnKohansky