The Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center (CMHWC) kicked off its latest art exhibition, “In Her Light: A Radiant Tribute to Mothers, Sisters, and Women” this past weekend. Opening Mother’s Day weekend seemed fitting as the collection celebrated interconnectedness, strength, and resilience found in women in the community. All 29 artists featured are local and nearly all are older adults. With the CMHWC serving nearby seniors, the artists featured reflect the individuals using the center’s services.

While some are career artists, others have only recently discovered their love for visual art-making, inspiring others to practice the things that bring joy even if that means learning new skills later in life.

Here are some of the featured artists, you can see on display at the CMHWC through October:

Artist Melissa Templeton Proulx has painted for decades but has more recently found joy in collaging. Her four collage pieces on display illustrate her journey as a caregiver for her aging mother as she faced dementia and through her eventual passing. As a caregiver for the one that raised her, there was grief, joy, struggle, and fulfillment.

“The end of caregiving is often sudden, abrupt, and leaves the individual struggling for mission, purpose, and a path forward,” said Melissa Templeton Proulx.

Lorie Marsh is a photographer who loves getting lost in the lush worlds of her garden’s peonies and poppies. Using a macro lens, the viewer can see textures and fine details one might normally overlook without it.

“I’m in love with textures,” said Lorie Marsh. “And if my art can take someone away, being touched by beauty—that’s the goal.”

Captivated by colors and line weights and work in botanicals, Mandel Cameron’s painting often feature bright colors and bold black lines. Much of Mandel’s art is floral, but one of the pieces featured at the CMHWC is a portrait inspired by a music album cover.

“Having the opening reception of the art exhibit on Mother’s Day weekend is particularly cool,” said Mandel Cameron.

After a car accident, Laura DuFrane Murphy, felt the push to pursue art knowing it is never too late to do something that makes you happy. Laura is a self-taught painter and poet. For Laura, sharing her art isn’t new but this exhibit is the first time her art incorporates her poetry.

“The whole reason I like making art is because it connects people. People can find themselves in your art pieces and connect with the feelings,” said Laura DuFrane Murphy.

Painter Rimma Benson is inspired by flowers and the beauty that is around her. Her pieces in the exhibition depict the importance of forgiveness and love to nourish growth, both in oneself and the earth around us. Rimma’s work has deep spiritual meaning to her and all the elements in her pieces are purposeful and symbolize something deeper.

“I believe beauty and love will save the world. That is the message I want to spread,” said Rimma Benson. “Beauty is in everything—in your soul, surrounding us, in friendship.”

Susan Armington has two painted portraits on display in the exhibition depicting two creative friends. One of which depicts another artist, incorporating the subject’s native Arabic language poetry.

“Having art shown in public spaces is so important,” said Susan Armington. “Art can really make cold places feel alive and relatable.”

Marcy Hokenson rediscovered her love for art in retirement and recently had her first showing. Marcy is an abstract artist who lets intuition lead her as she paints and draws faces. She likes to focus on the oversized lips and eyes in her face series.

“I like abstract art. I like to give the essence or impression of something rather than reality,” said Marcy Hokenson.

Mary Jane Mansfield has a large, whimsical piece that has been on display since December and has a handful of small acrylic and enamel paintings in this exhibition. She hopes her art allows people to get lost in the bright, positive world her art contains.

“I just draw. I don’t really think about what I’m drawing. I just draw a shape and see what comes out of it,” said Mary Jane Mansfield.

View the “In Her Light: A Radiant Tribute to Mothers, Sisters, and Women” art exhibit now through October Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm at Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center (1015 N 4th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405).