Atlantic Ave Magazine - April 2017

job was at a web design company. After
that she taught art teacher at an all-girls
school in New Orleans. When her husband
took a job in South Florida she started over.
As luck would have it Johanson ended up at
the Cornell Museum.
“When I took the Museum Assistant position
at the Cornell I thought it would be
a temporary thing, but it ended up being
something far better than I could have ever
imagined.”
Many people are glad about that. “Melanie
has an eye for edgy, quality, fun art that
suits the Cornell and the following that the
Museum is cultivating. I’m sure she doesn’t
believe that imaging and planning exhibits
for the Museum has anything to do with
work. For her it’s a challenge and a pleasure.
She is simply great at what she does,” said
arts patron Margaret Blume.
Because of her advertising background
Johanson designs print material, outdoor
and indoor signage, mailers and promotional
material for the Museum. She also plans
and designs exhibitions, gets sponsorships,
facilitates art installations, cultivates donors
and connects collectors with artists.
On a more personal note, Johanson is
married to her soulmate, Greer Prather.
The petroleum businessman is her most
ardent supporter. “I bounce ideas off my
husband and rely on him for support in all
aspects of my life. He is a great listener and
businessman, and he helps me in my role
at the Cornell.”
It seems that Johanson doesn’t need too
much help. She is divinely guided by an inner
artistic passion that lights the way for all
who enter the Cornell Museum.
Welcome to Melanie’s world. It’s a place
of wonderment and excitement with color
and art as the unspoken orator.
www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com | April 2017 97