"Cold Weathered Friends"
ArtPrize 2026 Entry
Venue
Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art and Design
Address
17 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Hours
Monday 5pm - 8pm
Tuesday 5pm - 8pm
Wednesday 5pm - 8pm
Thursday 5pm - 8pm
Friday 12pm - 8pm
Saturday 12pm - 8pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm
Visit Lea's work Online
Artist Statement
The inspiration for this piece came during a quiet winter drive to the family homestead. As I made my way up the snow covered driveway, the sun broke through, radiant and warm despite the cold. It illuminated a simple, beautiful scene, birds gathered peacefully, enjoying their seeds, while nearby, statues of children stood still. The light touched them in such a way that they seemed to glow. In that instant, I knew I had to paint them.
When I returned home, two large canvases were already waiting. Yet for a moment, I stopped in the doorway. The excitement was there, but so was a quiet sense of overwhelm. Something many artists know well. For me, it wasn’t just about painting. The weight of memories, emotions, and the journey behind them was being held in a brush.
I've participated in ArtPrize three other years, and looking back, I see a pattern I hadn’t fully noticed before. Birds have always found their way into my work. In “The Owl,” a protective mother watches over her young. In “The Changing of Seasons,” cardinals among old dogwood trees quietly tell stories of life, loss, joy, and grief. And “Gary, the Turkey,” I chose humor and light during a time when life felt anything but easy. As a mother, I’ve faced challenges but the news about our son, Elliot, brought a depth of heartbreak I never could have prepared for. In that season, creating became both difficult and necessary. It became a way to process, to heal, and to keep moving forward. That winter day, standing in the glow of the sunlight, I felt something I didn’t want to lose: unexpected, resilient joy. This painting is a reflection of that moment. A reminder that even in the coldest seasons, light still finds us.
I would not be where I am today without the strength and grace God has given me, the foundation of my faith, and the unwavering love of my family and friends. This piece is not just about what I saw, it’s about what I’ve lived, what I’ve learned, and the hope that continues to carry me forward.