We’re sad to report the passing of Chuck Johnson, a longtime sculpture instructor at The Art League who retired in the Fall. Chuck was 90 when he passed away on July 3.

Cindy Kellams, a student of Chuck’s, wrote the following:

“Chuck’s life had many chapters, including childhood years on a farm in New Jersey, a stint in the Army Air Corps during World War II where he learned to fly most every plane they had, a Foreign Service career with postings around the globe and, most recently, an opportunity to do something he truly loved … sculpting and teaching. He encouraged his students at Montgomery College, the Studio School in Georgetown, and The Art League to discover and grow their own artistic style and challenged them to ‘dare to be great’! He touched many and his legacy can be seen in the work of individuals around the world who studied with him.”

Students stuck with Chuck for years — decades, in some cases. In 2012, Chuck’s students collected tributes in a book, “You’re the Artist,” which can be viewed online here.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Jean, and son, Scott. There hasn’t yet been an obituary published or an announcement of a memorial service, but we’ll add that information here when we get it.