These paintings flowed out of my experiences in nature during this past year; time among trees and along trails that provided room for mental healing and a safe space to connect with others. The outdoors continues to be safest place we can be together.

This painting was commissioned by the New Jersey-based photographer Isaac Stackell. Several of the images he took every morning from the window of his home during this past year will also be on display. His photos of sunrises--witnessed because of stay-at-home orders that interrupted his daily commute for months at a time--became a color reference for

my work as well as a metaphorical space for us to talk about how nature was helping us cope.

As more people get vaccinated and we consider how to move forward, we need to keep talking about how to care for our mental health so we can support our neighbors and the larger communities we live in. Artwork and nature need to be part of that conversation.