Q&A and studio visit with artist, Michael Johnstone of Verasphere

For the opening of school I had all of my students watch the documentary, "Mrs. Vera's Daybook". It's a love story and a story about how two artists cope with the AIDS epidemic. My Foundation Arts class had the opportunity to have a Q&A session with Michael Johnstone, one of the co-creators of Verasphere. It was a unique opportunity to get to talk to someone who lived through the AIDS crisis, was involved with workshops in creating the AIDS Memorial Quilt and developed as an artist with his partner, David, an amazing body of work: photos, costumes and a community. Making the most of every day through play, creativity and color the two artists navigate challenging times like we are facing today with the pandemic, California fires, political climate and times of social unrest.

Mrs. Vera's Daybook offers us a way to see the world one day at a time, with color and a playful spirit.

Images of Mrs. Vera by Michael Johnstone