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Alex Johnmeyer

About Us

About Our Art

Alex Johnmeyer (b. 1978, St. Louis, MO) is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist whose vibrant realism paintings blend personal narratives with saturated color, pop culture references, and symbolism. With over 25 years of experience, Alex uses his own photography as a foundation for his body of work, which spans oil, watercolor, and acrylic. He credits his 1998 experience as a cake decorator as the primary influence on his textural approach, inspiring him to incorporate sculptural techniques which bring additional depth and dimension to his paintings. Alex’s work explores themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the complexities of living authentically, particularly through his experiences as a transgender man and queer individual. He often uses toys as storytelling devices, inviting viewers to reflect on their own personal histories while celebrating the universal desire for acceptance and understanding.

His artistic achievements have been widely recognized earning him multiple awards such as the “Award of Excellence in Artistry” from St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds, Michael Butler, and the title of “Best Fine Artist” in St. Louis Magazine’s 2021 Reader’s Choice “A List.” He is a juried member of the Best of Missouri Hands, and his work has been featured in numerous St. Louis galleries and businesses, including Duane Reed Gallery, 31art Gallery, Houska Gallery, Art Saint Louis, and the Foundry of St. Charles. Six of his original watercolor paintings are permanently installed at St. Louis University Hospital. His work has been featured in media outlets such as Fox 2 News, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Riverfront Times, NPR, Voyage STL, and more.

Beyond his artistic practice, Alex is deeply committed to community engagement and social impact. His passion for volunteerism began during his time with MySLART.org, where he developed skills in curation, exhibition design, and volunteer management. Inspired by these experiences, he co-founded the Metro Trans Umbrella Group (MTUG), a non-profit organization supporting transgender advocacy, serving as Events Director and curating St. Louis’ first annual LGBTQ+ art exhibition, “Transcending the Spectrum” (2013–2021).

His continued commitment for volunteerism extends to his role with Arts as Healing, a St. Louis-based organization providing free art therapy classes  to individuals living with cancer and other chronic illnesses. Since 2013, Alex has also supported numerous non-profits and charity fundraisers, including Art of PAWS for Vivent Health, Wall Ball for Artscope, and Urbanaire for PROMO. Through his art and advocacy, Alex has a sincere commitment to positive social change, meshing art with a dedication to uplifting others and making a meaningful impact in his community.

 

Juried Artist/Studio:

Alex Johnmeyer

Short Description:

St Louis realism artist working in oil, watercolor and acrylics for over 25 years.

Awards and Honors

2025 Solo Exhibition, “Unboxed” at the Angad Arts Hotel

2023 “Award of Excellence in Artistry” from St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds, Michael Butler

2022   “Award of Excellence”, chosen by Robin Hirsch-Steinhoff, Art Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO

2021   “Best Fine Artist”, chosen by St. Louis Magazine, A List Reader’s Choice Winner

2020   “Best of Show”, Open Theme Annual, Webster Arts, Webster Groves, MO

Six watercolor paintings permanently installed in newly built SLU Hospital, St Louis, MO

2018 “Brillant Color” at Framations Gallery, Third Place Award 2018

2017  Solo Exhibition, “Background Noise” at Third Degree Glass Factory

2016  “Wide Open” at Soulard Art Market, Award of Excellence 2016

Curator of “Transcending the Spectrum” LGBTQ+ Exhibition, hosted by Metro Trans Umbrella Group

Co-Founder and former Board Member of Metro Trans Umbrella Group

Chosen as participating artist for Wall Ball, a fundraiser for Artscope for 9 consecutive years

Co-Director of The Blooming Artists’ Project with Marilyn Callahan, sponsored by the Greater Saint Louis Artists Association

Curator, Art Installation Manager, Volunteer Coordinator on Board of Directors of MySLART.org, non profit org led by Executive Director, Jenny Churchill