James Johnson is a multidisciplinary artist, nonprofit executive, and community builder working at the intersection of art, fabrication, education, and creative practice. His work explores how accessible creative spaces, collaborative systems, and hands-on learning can foster connection, resilience, and meaningful cultural participation.
With a background in theater arts, scenic design, fabrication, photography, and emerging technologies, James approaches creative work through experimentation, interdisciplinary practice, and storytelling. His projects often combine traditional crafts with digital systems, electronics, fabrication, and environmental design to explore new forms of interaction and making. Whether designing immersive theatrical environments, building fabrication systems, or developing public-facing creative initiatives, he is driven by a belief that creative practice should remain accessible, participatory, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.
As Executive Director of Make Santa Fe, James has helped grow the organization into a multidisciplinary creative hub supporting artists, makers, educators, and entrepreneurs through shared infrastructure, workforce development, public programming, and accessible arts education. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded significantly in both membership and community impact while maintaining a strong commitment to collaboration, experimentation, and community-centered growth.
James’ leadership philosophy is rooted in the idea that creative organizations function best as ecosystems rather than institutions alone. He believes spaces dedicated to art, fabrication, education, and public participation can become powerful forms of civic and cultural infrastructure when they are built around accessibility, shared knowledge, and meaningful human connection.
Alongside his nonprofit leadership work, James maintains an active creative practice spanning photography, scenic design, sculpture, woodworking, fabrication, and interdisciplinary installation work. His artistic practice is driven by curiosity, experimentation, and a desire to continually learn across both traditional and emerging forms of making. He frequently explores the intersection of physical craft and responsive systems, combining analog materials with electronics, lighting, fabrication, and code.
James holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre Arts from the University of Idaho and has contributed to more than 150 theatrical productions nationwide as a scenic designer, fabricator, and collaborative creative lead. He grew up in the mountains outside Breckenridge, Colorado, and continues to draw inspiration from the relationship between landscape, community, creativity, and place.
CV
Santa Fe, New Mexico
me@thejameswilliam.com · (970) 426-9419 · thejameswilliam.com
EDUCATION
University of Idaho, Moscow, ID — BFA, Theatre; BA, Art · 2008
EXHIBITIONS
2026 We Hold These Truths, CENTER, Santa Fe, NM (juried group exhibition)
2025 Santa Fe Lamp Show, Relay, Santa Fe, NM (group)
LECTURES & TALKS
2025 “Radical Generosity,” PechaKucha Night Santa Fe Vol. 26: Failure, SITE Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM
2025 CreativeMornings Santa Fe, Make Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM
SELECTED SCENIC DESIGN
More than 80 productions designed or assisted. Selected work:
2024 You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, dir. Christine McHugh, Santa Fe Playhouse, Santa Fe, NM
2024 Or, / Born With Teeth, dir. Zoe Burke / Antonio Miniño, Santa Fe Playhouse, Santa Fe, NM
2023 A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, dir. Rebecca Aparicio, Santa Fe Playhouse, Santa Fe, NM
2023 Sweat, dir. Robyn Rikoon, Santa Fe Playhouse, Santa Fe, NM
2023 The Baby Monitor, dir. Colin Hovde, Santa Fe Playhouse, Santa Fe, NM
2022 The Effect, dir. Robyn Rikoon, Santa Fe Playhouse, Santa Fe, NM
2019 No Number Home (new work), dir. Vaughn Irving, Santa Fe Playhouse, Santa Fe, NM
2017 Auntie Mame, dir. Henry Avery, Albuquerque Little Theatre, Albuquerque, NM
2013 Cats, dir. Lisa Bryant, Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock, NC
2012 Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, dir. Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock, NC
2011 Angels in America: Perestroika, dir. Angie Flynn-McIver, NC Stage Company, Asheville, NC
2011 Hedwig and the Angry Inch, dir. Charlie Flynn-McIver, NC Stage Company, Asheville, NC
2011 Doubt: A Parable, dir. Bill Roudebush, Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown, Hendersonville, NC
2010 Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, dir. Angie Flynn-McIver, NC Stage Company, Asheville, NC
2010 One Flea Spare, dir. Angie Flynn-McIver, NC Stage Company, Asheville, NC
2010 Cymbeline, dir. Todd McNerney, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
2010 Rent, dir. Lisa Bryant, Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock, NC
Assistant Scenic Design (selected): Evita (2013) and Chicago (2011), dir. Marcia Milgrom Dodge; Miss Saigon (2014), Les Misérables (2012), and Guys and Dolls (2012), dir. Vincent Marini — Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock, NC
Full production history: thejameswilliam.com/production-history
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hull, Ania. “Out There!” Pasatiempo, Santa Fe New Mexican, 14 August 2026.
Burke, Zoe. “Now and Then.” Santa Fe Reporter, 17 May 2023. Review of Sweat, Santa Fe Playhouse.
Jackson, Peyton. Review of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Santa Fe Playhouse (2024). Talkin’ Broadway.
Kiss, Tony. Review of Cats, Flat Rock Playhouse (2013). Asheville Scene.
Lamberth, Victoria. Review of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Flat Rock Playhouse (2012). Examiner.com.
Cavener, Jim. Review of One Flea Spare, NC Stage Company (2010). Asheville Citizen-Times.
Garcia, Kylie. “An innovative space provides inspiration and education for creation.” Pasatiempo, Santa Fe New Mexican, (2025).
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2016–present Owner / CEO, Mindshare Labs, Inc.
2022–2026 Executive Director, Make Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM
2014–2016 Marketing & Communications, NDI New Mexico
2010–2014 Assistant Scene Designer, Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock, NC
2010–present Scenic Designer & Fabricator, freelance
SERVICE & AFFILIATIONS
2026–present Santa Fe Economic Development Advisory Committee, Santa Fe, NM
2022–present Midtown Arts & Design Alliance, Santa Fe, NM
2023–2025 Board of Trustees, Santa Fe Playhouse, Santa Fe, NM