Growing up in Independence, Ohio, Marie Johanek often entertained herself by drawing. Encouraged by teachers and family members from a young age, her talent was apparent to many. In school, she was encouraged to explore a variety of media, including acrylic, oil, pastel and sculpture.
After graduating from Kent State University with a degree in Graphic Design, Marie obtained a job in industry as a graphic artist for Horizons Incorporated. She continued to work for Horizons while raising a family.
At the urging of friends in 2001, Marie published limited edition prints of original illustrations of the Lorain-Carnegie (Hope Memorial) Bridge and the Detroit-Superior (Veterans Memorial) Bridge in Cleveland, Ohio. The prints became popular at galleries and art fairs throughout the Cleveland area and established Marie’s expertise in the difficult watercolor media.
Always active and herself a runner, Marie began in 2002 to produce unique watercolor illustrations for a small number of Marathons. Her work was an immediate hit and a new and rapidly growing business, Crossing The Line, was born.
Now Chief Artist and Creative Director for Crossing The Line, Marie’s work has been featured at Marathons across the country. A short list of events for which Marie has done work includes the Chicago, Marine Corps, Mardi Gras, Motorola, Disney World, Seattle and San Francisco Marathons.
