For the artist, finding beauty as we wait for the things to start, and accepting what is — even though we don’t know what will be — is the way to find peace in this ever-changing life.

Finding grace and even relishing in the insignificant, little moments in between, Meinhold believes, “We will look back on this moment, these years caught in the pandemic, as the end of the old, and the beginning of the new.”

The artwork of Bridgette Meinhold is unforgettable, as each encaustic painting becomes the viewer’s own new version of their mountain memory.

“The mountains glow with the promise of a bright tomorrow. A shiny nugget deep in the heart of the rock waiting to be found. A soft light on the surface of an eternal steadfast presence of rock and mineral reminds us to be strong, patient and optimistic. Change comes sometimes suddenly, sometimes predictably, sometimes slowly through the eons of time.” – Sarah Winkler

The paintings in this exhibition connect us from the depths of the inner Mountain to the vast star filled Universe and the eternal patterns of nature. I’m letting nature guide me in color, texture and mood through her most introspective and restful season, Winter.

It is this evolving skill of harnessing the madness that allows artists like R. Nelson Parrish & Havoc Hendricks to evolve the art and create great work. Honoring the daily practice better prepares the artist for upheavals in other facets of life, knowing that beauty can emerge therefrom as long as they remain steady… ”steady as I go.”

“The artist’s journey can be one that catapults them into an overwhelming amount of chaos and change. The unseen challenge is to organize those moments in a way that not only makes sense but does so beautifully.” – Havoc Hendricks

Gustlin honors the contributions of her family toward her current artistic success. Her studio is location on a large family compound, where generations live and work together. This special place fosters a sense of involvement, a framework for sharing through joys and sorrow, allowing support for artistic growth.

Gustlin collaborates on may pieces with her brother and sister, relying on their unconditional bond to navigate and create new concepts that propel her work forward.

Matt Flint stands in the middle of his creations: the ever popular horses, and other wildlife, wolves, bears, owls, and bison.

The rich textures and worked surfaces of his paintings evoke the constant changes and processes found in the natural world. The paintings that are the result of his artistic freedom, and the time he spends wandering into wilderness, are nothing less than magic.

The making of a career artist takes incredible dedication and thick skin. Add that to tenacious drive and natural talent and you have timeless beauty and value. Michael Kessler has proven he has what it takes to thrive as an artist. The antiquated days of gate-keeping museum curators and art directors are gone, and the internet has catapulted the careers of multitudes of artist into the spotlight. Kessler comments on those days saying, “Having experienced the digital boom and all its glory, being a serious and productive artist is more effective than ever.”

Kessler remains reminiscent of his contributions in catapulting the art world into the 21st century, noting that the benefits are mutual for collector and artist. And now, more than ever, seeing art in person has great value.