Jan. 9-Feb. 13, 2025
Celebrate the enchanting interplay of vibrant colors and rich textures through this exciting exhibit created by Tracy Walsh and Lynelle Kocher. Whether through paint or rich macro photography, each piece invites you to pause, notice and observe the beauty that surrounds us, transforming everyday moments into extraordinary experiences. As you wander through the gallery space, allow yourself to be captivated by bold hues evoking emotions and sparking your imagination.
"Eyes Wide Open" encourages you to embrace the act of observing, inviting you to find beauty in both the intricate details and the broader compositions. Join us in celebrating the vibrant spectrum of life, as we explore how color and texture can transform our understanding of the world around us.
Cost: Included with general daily admission, which is free for members and ages 15 and younger and $20-$25 for non-members ages 16 and older. Indigenous peoples receive waived general daily admission to the Arboretum when making a reservation by calling 612-301-6775.
Artist Meet & Greet
Saturday, Jan. 11 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Cafe Gallery
Attend a presentation from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Cafe Gallery with featured artists Tracy Walsh and Lynelle Kocher on how artwork from their show connects with the important health benefits of Nature. Whether through paint or rich macro-photography each piece invites you to pause, notice and observe the beauty that surrounds us.
About the Artists
About Lynelle Kocher
Artist Statement
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been creating art. I grew up in North Dakota, and later moved to Minnesota. During my lifetime, I would typically find inspiration from the beauty of nature, and enjoy being surrounded by woods, lakes, rivers and prairies.
I graduated from the University of North Dakota with a BA in Visual Arts, then went on to be an Art Teacher for 35 years. Throughout the years, I’ve expanded my knowledge of the visual arts by taking classes, traveling, research for teaching, and experimenting with different media. Through it all, I’ve come to realize that my passion lies in the natural world. I love painting pictures of places that I’ve been and gravitate toward landscapes and botanical pieces. I tend to have an affinity for texture and color in my work, which developed from an appreciation of experimentation in the arts. When you view my work, you will notice that I use several different styles to create my art. I love to use fluid acrylics for pieces where I want intense colors. I have always been drawn to watercolor pencil and often use it for landscapes. And I believe my most unique art style is what I call “Acrylic Mosaic”, where I create paint chips with dried acrylic paint. Then I cut apart and use those paint chips to create a mosaic on canvas. It is a method that I created myself, and it stems from my time as an art teacher, where I started saving dried paint scraps, instead of throwing them away. I use all these techniques to create pieces for what I would describe as a visual journal of places I’ve been.
Over the past few years, I have been able to show my work at several galleries. A highlight has been a solo gallery show at Rum River Art Center in Anoka in the Spring of 2024. I would like to continue to travel, experiment, create and show my work. My goal is to create work that makes people sense the wonder and beauty of the natural world.
About Tracy Walsh
Artist Statement
Through my lens, I seek to capture the essence of being present, to find beauty in the details of life, to pause, and see harmony between the natural world and oneself. With macro photography there is a hidden world ready to be discovered and seen. I feel great joy in discovering that world and sharing it with others.
Biography
Having a Bachelors of Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design I look for unique angles, textured backgrounds and vibrant colors as art. Besides photographs as art, Tracy Walsh Photography is my business, and I’ve been a garden and family photographer since 2004. I truly love what I do! Bailey Nurseries is one of my largest and well known clients. You can also find my garden photography in many magazine’s, some include; Fine Gardening, HGTV, Mpls St Paul Home & Design, and Northern Gardener.