Artist Bio

About Johnna Crider

Johnna Crider’s story is one of resilience, heart, and an unyielding passion for creation. For over two decades, this self-taught multimedia artist has poured her soul into her work, her journey weaving through moments of triumph and heartbreak. It began in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, where, in the early 2000s, she first picked up a paintbrush, igniting a spark that would carry her through some of life’s toughest storms.

In 2005, Johnna moved to Atlanta, a city that would shape her in unexpected ways. Two years later, fate introduced her to Daryl Thompson, a musician, and his wife Denise, who ran a boutique in the eclectic Little 5 Points. There, Johnna discovered the mesmerizing art of wire-wrapping gemstones and minerals into jewelry. Each sparkling stone seemed to whisper stories of the earth, pulling her into a dazzling world of discovery that fueled her creativity.

But life wasn’t always kind. Between 2008 and 2009, Johnna faced crushing financial hardship while caring for her mother, who was too ill to work. Together, they endured the harsh reality of homelessness on Atlanta’s streets. With sheer determination, Johnna scraped together enough to secure a storage unit and bus passes, holding onto hope. A turning point came when a compassionate employer, who later became a cherished friend, helped Johnna and her mother find stability again.

Art became Johnna’s refuge, a way to heal and give back to her community. But in 2010, tragedy struck again—her mother needed open-heart surgery. Months later, the devastating news arrived: her mother wouldn’t survive past the fall of 2011. The loss left a void, but Johnna carried on, her mother’s love woven into every brushstroke and creation.

Grief led her west to Dallas, Texas, where she married and later found mentors in local artists Kiki and Doug Winters. Under their guidance, she launched a jewelry business in their gallery, her creations sparkling with the strength she’d fought so hard to reclaim. Yet, when her marriage fell apart, Johnna found herself at a crossroads. With courage, she returned to Atlanta and, eventually, to her roots in Louisiana, determined to rebuild.

Now back in Louisiana, Johnna embraces the creative process with open-hearted authenticity. Her art—vibrant, soulful, and deeply personal—touches everyone who crosses her path. Through every trial, she’s learned that beauty can emerge from brokenness, and her story invites us all to find light in our own storms.