Alex Johnmeyer (b. 1978, St. Louis, MO) is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist whose vibrant realism paintings blend personal narratives with saturated color, pop culture references, and symbolism. With over 25 years of experience, Alex uses his own photography as a foundation for his body of work, which spans oil, watercolor, and acrylic. He credits his 1998 experience as a cake decorator as the primary influence on his textural approach, inspiring him to incorporate sculptural techniques which bring additional depth and dimension to his paintings. Alex’s work explores themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the complexities of living authentically, particularly through his experiences as a transgender man and queer individual. He often uses toys as storytelling devices, inviting viewers to reflect on their own personal histories while celebrating the universal desire for acceptance and understanding.
​
His artistic achievements have been widely recognized earning him multiple awards such as the “Award of Excellence in Artistry” from St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds, Michael Butler, and the title of “Best Fine Artist” in St. Louis Magazine’s 2021 Reader’s Choice “A List.” He is a juried member of the Best of Missouri Hands, and his work has been featured in numerous St. Louis galleries and businesses, including Duane Reed Gallery, 31art Gallery, Houska Gallery, Art Saint Louis, and the Foundry of St. Charles. Six of his original watercolor paintings are permanently installed at St. Louis University Hospital. His work has been featured in media outlets such as Fox 2 News, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Riverfront Times, NPR, Voyage STL, and more.
​
Beyond his artistic practice, Alex is deeply committed to community engagement and social impact. His passion for volunteerism began during his time with MySLART.org, where he developed skills in curation, exhibition design, and volunteer management. Inspired by these experiences, he co-founded the Metro Trans Umbrella Group (MTUG), a non-profit organization supporting transgender advocacy, serving as Events Director and curating St. Louis’ first annual LGBTQ+ art exhibition, “Transcending the Spectrum” (2013–2021). Since 2015, Alex has been the co-director of the St. Louis Visual Artists' Network which has over seven thousand members on Facebook, and hosts a monthly artist meeting featuring show and tells, panels, workshops and networking opportunities.
​​​
​Since 2013, Alex has supported numerous non-profits and charity fundraisers, including Arts as Healing, PROMO, Vivent Health, and Artscope. Through his art and advocacy, Alex has a sincere commitment to positive social change, meshing art with a dedication to uplifting others and making a meaningful impact in his community.