Local artist Carmen McCullough, who also works under the name 'Strange Farm Girl,' is opening a new mixed media exhibition titled 'Wicked Plant Art' across three venues in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota: the Becker County Museum, Bluebird Books, and Ortenstone Gardens and Sculpture Park. The exhibition, which includes 22 original pieces, was previously shown at the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska, and features nature-themed works inspired by 'wicked plants.' An opening reception will be held at the Becker County Museum on October 9, and the show runs through January 15, 2026.
This exhibition matters because it fills the gap left by the recent Charley Harper traveling exhibit, continuing the use of indoor-outdoor spaces created for that show. It also highlights the role of local organizations like Project 412 in rotating artists through public art spaces, supporting regional talent, and engaging the community with nature-themed art during the dormant season. McCullough's involvement as both artist and marketing consultant for Project 412 underscores the collaborative, grassroots nature of the local art scene.