Homer, Alaska – In May at Bunnell Street Arts Center, Brianna Lee exhibits paintings that were created for The Inner Garden, a book by Megan Murphy. Join the opening on Friday, May 2, 5-7pm with an artist talk at 6pm. Return to experience the paintings and a book reading by Megan Murphy, plus a conversation with collaborators Ilarion (Kuuyux) Merculieff and Brianna Lee on May 24 at 6pm. The exhibit runs from May 2 – June 4th.

“There are many pathways available in the art-making process. I am most interested in exploring the intuitive pathway, where I listen to what my body wants to express. I often approach a blank canvas with no initial sketch, but a stroke of color becomes the “seed,” informing me how to “grow” the piece into completion. This process can feel freeing, healing, and sometimes spiritual, like I’m connecting to something deep inside or beyond myself. Like dreaming or meditation, painting can offer another portal to express what we don’t normally see or feel. Making art has helped me navigate and process complex and intense emotions, serving as a conduit for understanding, healing, and recovery.

When I received the invitation from Megan Murphy to collaborate on creating the images for this project, I was both honored and nervous to accept the offer. As a working mother, artmaking had become less and less a priority in my life. Simultaneously, I began to feel like I was losing my artist identity and felt shame, even embarrassment, when referring to myself as an artist. Megan’s invitation to collaborate on this project has helped me remember and realize the importance of nurturing the artist within.”

Brianna Lee moved to Homer in 2008 to pursue a more sustainable and creative lifestyle. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, Minnesota. She spent her first years in Homer as a studio assistant to a local potter, painting and managing a local bakery while simultaneously showing her work inside local cafes and galleries. She has taught young children art classes and facilitated an after-school art program. She is a mother, farmer, and nature enthusiast. Brianna has been on staff at Bunnell since 2019.