Bee Inspired.

A couple of months ago, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum reached out and invited me to be part of the opening exhibition for their new Bee and Pollinator Center. My answer was an immediate—absolutely, yes.

Of course, once I said yes, the next question was: What work should I show? My horse images weren’t the right fit. My ladies didn’t feel quite right either.

But flowers? Yes. Flowers felt perfect.

Since bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, and other pollinators are responsible for so much of the natural beauty around us, creating a new series centered on flowers felt completely aligned with the spirit of the exhibit. Spring has taken on an entirely new meaning for me this year as every bloom suddenly holds creative potential. I keep catching myself thinking, Would this one work for my grid of nine?

I also pulled out some butterfly photographs from a few years back to see if I could transform them into encaustic pieces. One of them will be donated to the Arboretum’s annual gala in June.

I’ve also been asked to give an encaustic painting demonstration at the event. Many people who attend my demos already know a little about encaustics, but I suspect this audience may be new to the idea of painting with beeswax. I’m excited to introduce them to the medium and, hopefully, spark a few new love affairs with encaustic art.

The more I prepare for this exhibition, the more bees—and their vulnerability—have been on my mind. As encaustic artists, we work with a material directly connected to these incredible creatures. Without bees, our art (and our world) would look very different. Their survival matters to all of us.

So I’m encouraging you to join me in supporting efforts to protect and honor the bees. Make it a priority in whatever way you can—large or small.

If you’re looking for a place to donate, the Arboretum’s Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center is doing wonderful work. Their mission is to educate the public through hands-on experiences that help people understand how to support pollinators in their own communities.

There are many other organizations working to protect bees and pollinators too—choose one that resonates with you. Every effort helps.

Would love to hear from you about how you help save the bees.  Leave your comment below.

Be well….be creative,