On Friday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Artpothecary in West Rehoboth will welcome a radiant new show by longtime local artist Michael Johnson. Known for his murals at Thompson Island, Hooked OC, and the Selbyville Public Library, Johnson now returns to his roots in fine art painting with a series that celebrates the sun-soaked spirit of coastal Delaware.
In this newest collection, surfers drift across citrus-colored skies, casting a dreamy, lighthearted spell. These paintings are a playful escape into warmth that never quite fades, capturing the whimsy and wonder of beach town life. They reflect not just the geography of our shoreline, but the feeling it evokes — nostalgia, freedom, and sunlit joy.
Raised in the shorebreak of Delaware, Johnson has always felt deeply connected to the ocean and its surrounding wildness. That reverence comes through in his work, where bright hues and optimistic energy offer a fresh, modern take on familiar scenery. It is both a homecoming and a vision of what home can be.
The show coincides with the West Side Creative Market, happening right down the street, where visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and a bustling lineup of local artist and artisan vendors. With only a few markets left in the season, this is the perfect night to soak up summer, support local creatives, and experience the colorful world of Michael Johnson.
