Dawn in the North Woods: A Journey to My First Gallery Exhibition

“Dawn in the North Woods” began as a simple moment of stillness. Anyone who’s experienced an early summer morning in northern Minnesota knows that unique quality of light – when the world holds its breath between night and day. The air hangs heavy with dew, and mist rises from the flowers that overtake the open meadows between the northern pines like nature’s own watercolor. It’s a fleeting moment that I’ve been obsessed with painting over the last year.

Working with gouache on handmade paper was a deliberate choice. The rough texture mirrors the organic imperfections of our northern landscape – the texture brings out the beauty of the pines and brings life to the wildflowers. Each brush stroke had to be intentional yet gentle, much like the way dawn touches the wilderness.

Seeing my work displayed at the RiverPlace gallery’s grand opening feels surreal. This painting, born from countless days spent watching the sun paint the woods in ethereal light, now hangs where others can experience that same moment of tranquility. It’s more than just my first gallery showing – it’s sharing a piece of our northern Minnesota magic with everyone who stops to look.

The Warroad RiverPlace represents an exciting new chapter for our artistic community. Nestled along the Warroad River, this stunning venue serves as both a cultural hub and a testament to our region’s creative spirit. The gallery space, with its natural light and thoughtful design, provides the perfect backdrop for local artists to showcase their work. But RiverPlace is more than just a gallery – it’s a community gathering space, featuring a coffee shop, event venues, and areas for workshops and classes. The building itself pays homage to our region’s rich history while looking confidently toward the future.

Being part of the inaugural exhibition alongside other talented local artists feels particularly meaningful. Each piece in the gallery tells a different story of life in the north, yet together they weave a tapestry that captures the essence of our shared home. The grand opening marks not just the beginning of a new venue, but the start of a new era for arts and culture in Warroad.

To those who haven’t yet visited the new Warroad RiverPlace gallery, I encourage you to take the time. It’s a beautiful space celebrating our local artists and the stunning landscape we’re blessed to call home. And if you find yourself standing before a painting of a misty northern dawn, I hope you feel that moment of stillness I tried to capture – when the world pauses between sleep and waking, painted in the soft colors of possibility.