I did say that 2026 is looking even more hootie than 2025 (it was a hoot!), and that has been no lie. I have not even had time to sit down and write since I last posted my 2025 Recap. Its only May and I have been in FIVE exhibits already!!
Benton Bluff
Oil on Canvas
30” x 24”
$1,750
This is a painting of a bluff on the Root River. It is located on a bend in the river and with its shape this started looking like a fish-eye portrait of the bluff - so I went with it. I do not know if this bluff has a name, but this painting also started having the feel of a Thomas Hart Benton landscape - so I went with it. I like borrowing the style of influential artists at times. They have informed my own style and understanding of art, so its good to visit them and acknowledge them once in a while.
Red Wing Arts, Depot Gallery, Red Wing, MN
April 17 - June 8, 2026
Opening: April 17
Poetry Readings: April 26 & May 17, 2 - 4 pm
My current exhibit is this wonderful collaborative exhibit that has been running for 25 years. 25 poems were juried into the show by author Jeanne Lutz. These poems were then shared with 25 artists, juried in by artist James Turner. I was assigned a poem by Hannah Kosek titled How Do You Envision Time? It is a poem that hit me solidly. While traveling to Arizona and Los Angeles, I created my art piece on my weekly calendar pages that I create each week to keep track of what I am doing.
I will be in attendance and talking about my artwork at the May 17 poetry reading.
Please read more about this exhibit and see all six pages of my artwork I created in response to the poem.
Gallery 13, Aloft Minneapolis, 900 Washington Avenue South
May 21 - June 9, 2026
Opening: May 21, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Come join me for this opening! I have some large works in this show and am honored to show with these excellent artists.
January 23 - March 8, 2026
Opening: Fri, January 23 from 5-7pm
Depot Gallery, 418 Levee St, Red Wing, MN 55066
This was my second year in this exhibit. I chose an ooey-gooey painting of poutine this year. I enjoy this show for the community. It is always good to meet other local artists, see what they make, hear who they are. I was heartened to see that I knew several more artists in this my second year in Red Wing.
Anderson Center in Red Wing, MN
December 6, 2025 – February 7, 2026
I started the year with another local art exhibit at this wonderful venue known more for their artist residencies. But they have fine art exhibits, too. Many of the artists were from the area. And I sold a painting, which is always a good thing. You can read more about the show at this link.
March 18 - 22, 2026
My art was represented at this fantastic art fair in Scottsdale, Arizona by bG Gallery of Los Angeles. I am very excited to have had my work in this impressive fair and also excited to work with bG Gallery. I will write more about this experience soon.
I opened up my studio on February 10 to about twenty visitors as part of Red Wing Arts ArtSpeak. This program brings in artists to talk about various aspects of having an art career. I talked about my art, my process(es), and answered questions.
I had Winnie, my daughter’s dog, visit my studio for a few days. It was nice having a companion while I painted.
I was on a trip to Arizona and Los Angeles for the month of March. Not much happened in the studio. I will write more about my trip soon.
Come spend a week with me and other artists on Historic Mallard Island. Up to ten artists will be gathering on Mallard Island from August 9 - 15, 2026. We will then have a show in the Fall at Everett and Charlie Gallery in Minneapolis. Only two spots are left!!
For more information, please check this link.
I have 20 full-color paintings illustrating the book Nature Revisited: Stories of Hope for a Planet and its People. The book is a series of interviews from the podcast Nature Revisited with Stefan Van Norden. Its a great book with inspiring interviews, beautiful layout, and wonderful illustrations. Click here to purchase.
February 23, 2026
I was interviewed about my art for the podcast Nature Revisited. It was a deep interview with host Stefan Van Norden about my art and my approach to nature. You should also listen to some of the other inspiring interviews and follow this podcast for inspiring stories about nature and people’s relationship to it. My interview was released on February 23, 2026.
Until next time. Peace.
Mark
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