Lake Effect Gallery Reception

I recently had the pleasure of participating in Thelma Arts Center’s Lake Effect Exhibition, and it was an experience I was genuinely excited to be part of. I submitted a piece titled Heavy Snow, inspired by the view outside our cabin along the Manitowish River after a significant lake-effect snowfall. Nearly 20 inches had fallen from a system off Lake Superior, transforming the landscape into layers of quiet, textured white. That stillness—and the challenge of translating subtle shifts in snow, shadow, and pattern—became the heart of this piece.

I was especially drawn to submitting work to this exhibition because of my positive history with Thelma Arts Center. A few years ago, I participated in their Sturgeon exhibition, and the professionalism, clarity, and care they bring to every show has stayed with me. From communication to installation, Thelma consistently creates a welcoming and well-curated environment for artists. When I dropped off Heavy Snow, head curator Shannon greeted me warmly and even invited me to take a sneak peek as the exhibition was being installed—an exciting behind-the-scenes moment I truly appreciated.

Attending the opening reception was a highlight. Seeing people encounter the work for the first time and hearing their reactions never gets old. The turnout was wonderful, and the conversations made the evening feel especially rewarding. As a final, fitting note, I drove home through a light blizzard—an unexpected but poetic echo of the very landscape that inspired Heavy Snow.