FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2025
Karen Anderer Fine Art presents Strength is Beauty, a new exhibition from
René Romero Schuler in collaboration with artist Monica Johnson
René Romero Schuler, Macaulay, 2025, Oil on canvas, 40 x 30 in
Lancaster, PA – Karen Anderer Fine Art presents Strength is Beauty, a new exhibition with René Romero Schuler and Monica Johnson, whose work together examines the experiences of strength and resilience. The exhibition is on view October 3 – November 8, 2025, with a Private Collector’s Reception on October 17th, an Art Talk on October 18th, and an Art Walk October 18th and 19th.
Strength is Beauty is a deeply resonant and collaborative exhibition from two California-based artists: René Romero Schuler (b. 1968) and Monica Johnson (b. 1966). Both artists draw from the grounding energies of the natural world, the ethereal fog of the Bay Area, and an unshakable feminine spirit to inform their work.
Over the past year, both artists have poured their energies into creating pieces that reflect a shared vision: that true strength is not only beautiful—it is essential, sacred, and deeply human.
Monica Johnson’s multimedia works integrate elements from nature, invoking a sense of wonder, movement, and harmony. Her totemic pieces stand boldly, expressing poise, confidence, and elemental strength. These sculptural forms provide a powerful counterbalance to the tender, figurative works of René Romero Schuler. René’s figures radiate themes of self-love, healing, and inner resilience—each one a quiet yet powerful embodiment of emotional depth and nurturing energy.
Together, René and Monica present a visual dialogue—an immersive experience where feminine power and beauty converge in their most honest, grounded, and luminous forms.
The exhibition programming includes an artist talk on October 18th, where visitors can participate in a meet-and-greet with the artists and learn about the beautiful and powerful narrative around this exhibition.
Monica Johnson, Forest Resilience 2, 2025, Acrylic, mixed media, brass on a custom-made birch cradled wood panel, 72 x 9 x 3 in.
Exhibition Details
On view
Friday, October 3 – Saturday, November 8, 2025
Private Collector’s Reception
Friday, October 17th, 6-8pm
Art Talk
Saturday, October 18th, 1-3pm
Art Walk
Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 12-4pm
Karen Anderer Fine Art
146 North Prince Street
Lancaster, PA, 17603
About René Romero Schuler
René Romero Schuler is an American painter and sculptor who creates powerful images that speak to the complexities of the human condition and the spirit that connects all human beings.
Feminine figures are a constant in Schuler’s art, which she claims is equal parts self-portraiture and depictions of the range of emotions she has experienced. Her challenging childhood imbues her work with an appreciation for the universal yet essentially intimate struggles and triumphs of human existence. In her quest for a feeling of connection, Schuler speaks to global and societal issues that impact us all.
Schuler’s paintings and sculptures are purposely semi-abstract and textured, rendering them open to interpretation by the viewer. Their power lies in the layers of applied materials scraped, carved and incised by hand and the elusive quality of the figures – wholistically beautiful but symbolic of the scars and flaws that shape individuals.
Currently represented by galleries across the U.S., Canada and Europe, Schuler has had major exhibitions throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia, and has work included in the permanent collections of numerous museums and institutions.
Schuler’s art and selected essays and poetry are collected into published works: René Romero Schuler: Life and Works, 2013; René Romero Schuler, 2016 and René Romero Schuler, 2019, now available in its second edition. A fourth book, Ladies, was published in 2023.
Website: https://www.reneromeroschuler.com
Instagram: @reneromeroschuler
About Monica Johnson
Monica Johnson is a contemporary abstract painter whose layered, mixed media works explore the quiet power of transformation. Guided by intuition and a deep sensitivity to material, she reveals the beauty of what is weathered, imperfect, and enduring. Each surface is built through a process of addition and removal—where textures, veils of paint, and elemental materials become symbolic of time, memory, and the forces that shape us.
Drawing inspiration from nature and the subtle rhythms of daily life, Monica’s work reflects a belief in the resilience found within softness—and the strength that emerges through vulnerability. Her paintings invite stillness and reflection, encouraging viewers to connect with what is felt rather than seen.
Her work has been exhibited in regional and national exhibitions and is held in private collections across the United States and Canada. Monica is represented by Karen Anderer Fine Art in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Website: https://www.monicajohnsonart.com
Instagram: @monicajohnsonart
About Karen Anderer Fine Art
While many historic Lancaster City art galleries have earned recognition as part of the growing downtown art movement, Karen Anderer Fine Art stands out as one of the most vibrant voices in the community. Located in the heart of Gallery Row, in historic Lancaster City, Karen Anderer Fine Art showcases internationally-recognized fine artists such as Robert A. Nelson, René Romero Schuler, Michael Bartmann, Georganna Lenssen, James Doherty, and Carl White. In fact, Karen Anderer Fine Art is one of the few Lancaster PA galleries to highlight such distinct and utterly thrilling modern artists. It’s this commitment to finding and representing such bold fine art that has earned Karen Anderer Fine Art popularity among the historic Lancaster City art scene and visiting art lovers alike. Karen Anderer Fine Art is a Gallery not to be missed.
Website: https://www.karenandererfineart.com
Instagram: @karen_anderer_fine_art