Born in Joliet in 1930, Carl Johnson landed in Galena about 1970 and quickly became part of the landscape that he painted so passionately.  He opened his famous gallery on Main Street in 1971, and his artwork is found in almost every home and business in Galena as well as the thousands that left Galena in the hands of his gallery patrons.

Carl's commitment to Galena and Historical Preservation manifested in many projects over the years - too numerous to list comprehensively, but here are just a few:

• Published "The Building of Galena - An Architectural Legacy"
• Preserved/Restored 10 buildings, including Galena's Old Stockade
• Led watercolor sketch trips abroad
• Helped organize Boy Scout Pilgrimages
• Part of "Save Turner Hall" movement
• Served on Zoning Board
• Served on Hospital Board
• Chairperson for Historic Preservation Committee
• Director of Chamber of Commerce
• Jo Daviess County Tourism representative
• Advocated for Amtrak service to Galena
• Co-founder of Galena's Artist Guild
• Co-founder of Galena Art Fair
• Most prolific artist in Galena's history