Aug. 22-Oct. 26, 2026
There is still more outdoor fun to be had this year. Step out of the "white cube" gallery and into the tall grass. The Brightness of Being is an invitation to leave your serious art-critic hat at the door and rediscover the world through the eyes of Anne Spooner, Leigh Bauer, Liya Oertel and Nicky Torkzadeh. This is a curated celebration of the light that resides within the playful, the small and the spirited. In a world that often feels heavy, this exhibition serves as a sanctuary of illumination — focusing on the literal brightness of the sun-drenched sky and the figurative brightness of the human and animal spirit.
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
Aug. 23, 12-1:30 p.m. in the Cafe Gallery
Meet the playful minds behind the magic and discover what inspires them to capture the bright, spirited side of the human and animal soul. Step inside the gallery and hang out with Leigh Bauer, Liya Oertel and Nicky Torkzadeh in a relaxed setting where you can talk to the creators. It’s a rare opportunity to swap stories, ask questions and discover the details you might miss if you only look at the walls.
Artist Statements
Anne Spooner
My work weaves together acrylic paint, graphite, pen, antique text, and paper on canvas and wood panels.
I incorporate thread and other unexpected materials to speak to the fragile, changeable nature of being alive. Through layered texture and color, I create visual narratives that invite viewers into the hidden depths of personal stories.
The birds transformed in my work from symbols of beauty into guardians that hold space for grief, resilience and love. My mother's story of caring for a nest of abandoned baby birds ignited my desire to make art that bridges the seen and unseen, the personal and universal.
Leigh Bauer
My work centers around creating functional pottery for everyday use — pieces that spark joy, curiosity, and a small escape from the mundane. Through quirky characters and playful illustrations, I hope to invite the viewer’s inner child to come out and play.
I discovered clay in 2015 and in 2024, I committed to a consistent studio practice that taught me patience, humility and the creative process. I love clay’s endless possibilities — there’s always something to learn and discover.
Liya Oertel
Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have changed countries, states and careers, and art has been the one constant – something I do for joy. My preferred medium is acrylic, and in recent years, I have focused on pet portraits and funny farm animals. I love vibrant colors and painting things that make you smile. Since I retired a few years ago from the Arboretum, I have been fortunate to be able to spend more time with a brush in my hand. How wonderful is that?
Nicky Torkzadeh
In my paintings and mixed media work, I use familiar images and vibrant colors to create tales of mystery and wonder. I frequently juxtapose elements that seemingly would not belong together to create a higher sense of beauty and drama that I hope will inspire a desire for stewardship of nature. Despite my use of bold colors, my paintings have a soothing quality, due in part to cool and comforting hues that ground the imagery.