Laura C. Johnson was raised in Skokie, Illinois. She received her MA in Art History from Northern Illinois University with an emphasis in Early Christian & Byzantine Art (Ravenna, Italy) in 1989, and an MLS/me from University of Oklahoma with an extension at University of Tulsa in 1995. She graduated summa cum laude from both institutions. In 1999 she moved to Florence, Italy where she led on-site lectures of the sites and museums. For twenty years Laura was a resident of Florence and after a thirteen-year application process, Laura was granted full Italian citizenship, which she proudly still holds. Her maternal family is Sicilian.

Art historian Laura Johnson presents Florence’s famous art and architectural masterpieces as well as the seedier side of Florence’s history. Bankruptcy, bonfires, and excommunication top the list of tales of woe and misfortune.