Maps, Money and Men with Artist and Activist Tonika Lewis Johnson

Published on: 8th February, 2022

Tonika Johnson is a photographer, social justice artist, and life-long resident of Chicago’s South Side neighborhood of Englewood.

Tonikas project Folded Map was organized to develop creative educational tools & interactive projects to help educate and engage the public about how we are socially impacted by historic racial and institutional conditions that segregate Chicago and our country.

Super lucky to have Tonika on episode 26 of the noseyAF podcast to talk about her latest work, the Folded Map Action Kit project, her photography career, and what it is like running her Not-For-Profit. I also ask her... Tonika, are you dating anyone?

Tonika on the Internet: Visit the Folded Map Project Website

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Stephanie on the Internet: noseyAF Podcast

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About the Podcast

noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

Want to hear how real artists actually make it work?
noseyAF is the show where we skip the glossy bios and get into the messy, creative, human parts of building a life in the arts.

I’m Stephanie Graham, an artist, filmmaker, and professionally nosy person, and every episode I talk with working artists, filmmakers, organizers, and culture-shifters about what’s really behind their projects: the decisions, the doubts, the money stuff, the pivots, and the “how do you keep going?” moments.

No hustle propaganda. No gatekeeping. No pretending it’s easy.
Just honest, energizing conversations that fuel your creative life and remind you you’re not alone.

If you’re an artist, curator, cultural worker, or just someone who loves peeking behind the curtain, noseyAF gives you real talk, practical ideas, and the creative spark you didn’t know you needed.

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About your host

Stephanie Graham

Hi there! I'm Stephanie, the creative force behind this podcast!
As a curious multi-disciplinary artist, filmmaker, and Real Housewives scholar, I dive into the fascinating world of relationships and subcultures through conversations with artists, activists, and neighbors. I explore their practices while sharing my journey in art, which includes creating films, photos, and installations focusing on race, social class, and subculture.
Outside of my studio practice and podcasting, I also run Graham Cracker Pins, which offers unique pins that reflect my love for creativity. Although my background involves work in TV and film, NDAs limit what I can share about those projects. Nevertheless, when I can, I do! For more of my art, visit missgraham.com or dive into pin heaven at GrahamCrackerPin.co. Join me as I unravel what others are up to with humor and curiosity.