Advancing Appreciation of Southern Art
Through its exhibitions, loans, publications, and institutional partnerships, The Johnson Collection seeks to illuminate the rich history and diverse cultures of the American South. With holdings that offer an extensive survey of artistic activity from the late eighteenth century to the present day, the Collection works to advance interest in the dynamic role that the art of the South plays in the larger context of American art. Located in Spartanburg, The Johnson Collection (TJC) is the recipient of the Governor’s Award for the Arts, South Carolina’s highest honor in the field.
The Johnson Collection furthers its mission through collecting, preserving, researching, exhibiting, publishing, and lending works of art. Through these activities, TJC supports the study and appreciation of the art of the American South and makes the Collection accessible to audiences near and far.
The Collection is committed to understanding Southern art as an integral part of American art history. By preserving significant works, supporting original research, and bringing greater visibility to artists and perspectives that have historically been overlooked, TJC seeks to broaden and deepen the understanding of the American artistic narrative.
Spanning more than two centuries, the Collection reflects the breadth and complexity of artistic activity in the South. Its holdings encompass diverse artists, communities, traditions, and experiences, demonstrating that Southern art is neither a singular style nor a fixed category, but an evolving and essential part of the larger story of American art.
Core TJC Values
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The Johnson Collection seeks to make the art of the American South accessible to broad and diverse audiences. Through exhibitions, loans, digital resources, educational programs, and partnerships with institutions throughout the region and beyond, TJC shares its holdings with audiences in museums, galleries, schools, and communities across the country.
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The Johnson Collection encourages deeper understanding of the art of the American South through exhibitions, publications, research, tours, lectures, and educational programs. TJC creates opportunities for learning and professional development across all levels of education, engaging K–12 students and educators while supporting emerging museum professionals through collegiate internships and graduate fellowships. Through these initiatives, TJC fosters close looking, inquiry, discussion, and meaningful engagement with the art and artists of the American South while helping prepare the next generation of scholars, educators, and museum professionals.
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The Johnson Collection recognizes the breadth and complexity of artistic life in the American South. By collecting, researching, exhibiting, and bringing greater visibility to artists, communities, experiences, and perspectives that have historically been underrepresented, TJC works to expand the American art historical narrative.
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The Johnson Collection is committed to the responsible care and preservation of works of art for future generations. Through thoughtful collecting, documentation, conservation, research, and interpretation, TJC safeguards works that contribute to the understanding of the American South and its artistic history.
Our History
What began as an interest in paintings by Carolina artists in 2002 has grown to encompass over 1,400 objects with provenances that span the centuries and chronicle the cultural evolution of the American South.
Founded in 2002 by George and Susu Johnson, The Johnson Collection began with a shared appreciation for the art, landscapes, and histories of the Carolinas. As the Collection grew, its scope expanded to encompass artists and perspectives from throughout the American South, reflecting the region’s diverse and evolving artistic traditions. Today, more than 1,400 works spanning over two centuries support TJC’s commitment to collecting, scholarship, stewardship, and public access. Explore the history of The Johnson Collection and the vision that continues to shape its work.
Beyond Regionalism
Public Access and the “Museum Without Walls” Model
A defining characteristic of The Johnson Collection is its commitment to public accessibility. Rather than establishing a traditional museum, the Johnsons adopted a “museum without walls” approach.
In downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Collection operates TJC Gallery, where rotating exhibitions are presented free of charge. Beyond this dedicated space, artworks are displayed across multiple venues throughout the city. At any given time, approximately half of the Collection is on view.
The Collection is also a major lending institution. Works are regularly loaned to museums across the United States and internationally, contributing to exhibitions that address American identity, modernism, and regional history. Through these loans, the Collection has played a key role in integrating Southern artists into broader art historical narratives.
Since 2012, TJC has produced four major scholarly publications exploring Southern art, artists, and themes, accompanied by traveling exhibitions loaned free of charge to partner museums reaching a combined 1.7 million visitors annually. Individual works have appeared in landmark exhibitions worldwide, including La Biennale di Venezia, Afro-Atlantic Histories, and Alma W. Thomas: Everything is Beautiful, among others.
In 2016, The Johnson Collection received South Carolina’s Governor’s Award for the Arts — the state’s highest arts distinction — honoring the Johnson family’s commitment to both arts advancement and arts accessibility.
Education is a Core Collection Value
The Johnson Collection collaborates with institutions of higher learning including faculty support and internship opportunities for students in Spartanburg.
