My latest series, "To Minnesota, With Love..." is an homage to the beautiful state so many of us proudly call home.

During these difficult days when too many of our neighbors are hurting and scared and the barrage of terrible news stirs heavy in our collective hearts, I have increasingly found myself pouring over photos I’ve taken the last few years desperately searching for solace in memories.

In this time of unrest and great uncertainty, creating these paintings over the last few weeks has been my safe haven. An escape and solid direction for my unfocused, recently concussed brain. Waking up long before the sun has risen and working long after it has set for the night, I have found healing in these images in more ways than one.

My garden where bees buzzed and RBG reminded our neighbors to vote in 2024, vacations up north with my family, the joy of Twin Cities Pride parade, early spring and ice out on Bde Maka Ska, the Minnesota State Fair and my beloved Northrup King Building home to the Megan Bell Studio since 1997 (and where I married my husband twenty years ago!) are just a handful of places and memories that are keeping me going these days.

My kids who are students in Richfield have asked if they can also hold a food and supply drive for their school’s pantry which is now serving more families than ever. Below is a list of requested items from families. Collection will take place during the event. Additionally, a portion of all proceeds from this show will also go to benefit the pantry.

If you are coming to the show and want to contribute to my kids' food/supply drive for the Richfield High School food pantry - here are the most requested items by members of our community. If shopping isn't your thing, checks can also be made out to Richfield Public Schools (put "food pantry" in memo) and I am happy to deliver them to the school. We’ll be putting together bags for families

Food:

white rice

dry beans

pasta noodles

pasta sauce

cooking oil

sugar

salt and pepper

Knorr chicken bouillon

small corn tortillas

flour (masa preferred)

snack items

Necessities:

toilet paper

paper towels

shampoo

bar soap

toothpaste

toothbrushes

laundry soap

dish soap