The Light & Shadows Collection: Finding Hope in the Helpers
The post-holiday winter season started as many do. My unambitious January plans went as far as reserving library books that came recommended by friends, scheduling coffee dates and walks with my fellow busy moms, selecting some nourishing new soup recipes to try, and choosing a show or two to look forward to on a cozy couch after the kids went to bed. But—as you know if you paid attention to national (or even global) news headlines as 2026 unfolded—the quiet, cozy start to the year was not in the cards for us here in Minnesota.
Detail from Hope, 30” x 15”
As events unfolded in nearby Minneapolis as well as our quiet town of Northfield, we watched in shock and horror. Blatant racism and violence in the streets were being encouraged by the current administration, then brushed aside without apparent consequence or remorse. Innocent people were detained and then released in the middle of the night in subzero temperatures without so much as a jacket or a phone to arrange for help. And worse, other innocent people (including children) were pulled from their day-to-day lives and sent to camps where cases of medical neglect, abuse, and unsanitary conditions were documented. There was a general sense of lawlessness when, tragically, the murders of two innocent American citizens at the hands of federal officers brought it all to the forefront.
But if the administration aimed to make an example of Minnesota, we turned the tables and set the example. Communities banded together, and neighbors came to the aid of neighbors in a multitude of ways. With very real, looming threats on our doorsteps, Minnesotans showed up to offer safe transport for those attending school or work, and donated resources of money and time to feed the neighbors who were unsafe leaving home to provide for themselves. Teachers made special arrangements for temporary homeschooling, and volunteers stood vigil around the clock in downtown St. Paul to offer warmth and aid to detainees being released. We protested to make our voices heard when meteorologists warned of the dangers of frostbite in temperatures of 20 below zero. And we did it all without a clear end in sight—knowing we may be in it for the long haul.
Vigilant, 24” x 36”
Throughout the worst of it, I met with friends who agreed that on some days, the heaviness was too much. We found commonality in the sudden outbursts of tears—uncharacteristic for me!—that came flowing with an uplifting song, an encouraging message, a tough conversation with a child, or yet another heartbreaking news story. The feelings of fear and stress culminated in a sense of overwhelming grief. I came upon this quote from Robin Wall Kimmerer in her beautiful book, “Braiding Sweetgrass”, that summed it up so well: “If grief can be a doorway to love, then let us all weep for the world we are breaking apart so we can love it back to wholeness again”.
First Light, 24” x 18”
As is my routine, I continued jogging (or walking or trudging) through the restored forest and prairie lands near my home each day as weather allowed. And as usual, my time in nature was time reserved for my mental health just as much as for physical health. Absorbing the radiant beauty of light filtering through trees, tufts of snow on weighed-down pine boughs, and cool shadows draped over sparkling snow, I felt a glowing sense of pride for The North Star State—and the people who live here—more deeply than I’d ever felt before. To witness the call for help answered with an emphatic, resounding “of course” was the true shining light in the midst of a dark, shadowy time. And as I settled back into my studio for each painting session, I put paint to canvas using the warm glow of neighbors helping neighbors as the true inspiration behind each sunlit winter landscape.
Snowside, 12” x 12”
My intention has never been to make a political statement with my art—rather, I think the beauty of the natural world is something that unites us all in with a sense of wonder, awe, and appreciation. But if claiming that the right to lead a dignified human life is a political statement— or that our natural resources deserve protection for the health, safety and enjoyment of our children and future generations is a political statement—then I am so happy to make it.
Embody, 40” x 30”
If you choose to make a purchase of any of the pieces in The Light & Shadows Collection, know that 10% of your purchase will be donated to Second Harvest Heartland, a food bank that serves the Twin Cities and surrounding region. These donations will help greatly with continued relief efforts as we in Minnesota work to pick up the pieces. Above all, my hope is that my work leaves you feeling inspired to get to know (and love) your neighbors, and to take in your natural surroundings with a fresh sense of awe and wonder.
The Light & Shadows Collection is available on Thursday, February 26 to email subscribers, and on Friday, February 27 to all. Join the list here to gain early access to this and all future collections!