Rochester, NY— Over the last year, Western New York artist LeRoi C. Johnson has exhibited his work across the United States and around the world---from Palm Beach, Los Angeles and Albany to Rome, Salvador, Bahia, and Cairo. He also participated in Ancestral: Afro-Américas, an exhibition of artists of African descent that traveled to São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Brasília as one of the largest Afrocentric joint exhibitions of art in the Americas. Now, according to the accomplished artist, he is bringing his artwork home for a November 15, 2026 -January 15, 2027, Western New York Exhibition titled, “The Renaissance of Color” at the Rochester artspace and event venue, ARTISAN works.
“After spending a year traveling the globe with my art, I became inspired to return home and get back to creating new works,” Johnson stated. “Over the last three months, I have painted more than 50-pieces of original art and decided that I wanted to premiere them in a Western New York place and space where I haven’t exhibited before. As a follow-up to my 2022–23 ‘LEROI: Living in Color’ exhibit at Buffalo’s Burch field Penney Art Center, I looked to Rochester and chose a modern culture art space that has always intrigued me—ARTISAN works. The exhibition is titled, “The Renaissance of Color.” and it will open November 15, 2026, and run through January 15, 2027. I look forward to sharing this collection of new paintings, along with some of my longtime favorites, with the people of Rochester, Buffalo and the surrounding Western New York areas.
In addition to displaying Johnson’s latest works of art “The Renaissance of Color” Exhibition will offer special Saturday experiences for adults and young people:
“The Renaissance of Color LIVE!” November 21 and December 5 | 2–4 p.m.
Purchase admission to ARTISANworks on either afternoon to watch LeRoi create an original painting and chat with him as he works.
Attendees will be entered for a chance to win the finished artwork at the close of the exhibition. Participants must be 21 or older to win.
“Paint Jam”—FREE Youth Art Workshops November 28 and December 12 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Ages 12–18 | In cooperation with ARTISANworks, LeRoi will lead two free, 90-minute workshops, each one for 8–10 young people.
Free ARTISANworks admission is included for registered youth partici pating in the workshops. (Accompanying adults and other visitors must purchase regular admission.)
Participants will create their own artwork on an 8 × 10-inch canvas while learning from LeRoi, hearing his artistic insights and receiving personal feedback as they explore their creativity.
Space is limited. Register here: https://bit.ly/LeRoiPaintJamSignup
ARTISANworks Founder and CEO, Kimberly Trenholm notes the significance of hosting LeRoi’s latest exhibi tion. “We are honored to welcome LeRoi C. Johnson and The Renaissance of Color to Louis’ Gallery at ARTISANworks. His extraordinary artistic vision and commitment to inspiring the next genera tion reflect our belief that art is most powerful when it brings people together, encourages discovery, and makes creativity accessible to all.”
Tickets available at the door: adults-$15, seniors and students-$10, children five and under and members-free. For more information: https://bit.ly/LeRoiRenaissanceofColor