“Through My Lens” – photography and poetry by local artist Ann Gorman, is a celebration of the success of biodiverse gardening, inspired by the monarchs she discovered in her own backyard. The exhibit opens August 8 with a reception from 5 to 7pm. Gorman will speak at 6pm.

She tells the compelling story of the monarch butterfly’s lifecycle—from larva to adult and through its remarkable migration journey. Highlighted are the monarch’s struggles, the multiple generations that thrive in Minnesota each year, and the awe-inspiring “super generation” that migrates to Mexico in the fall and returns north in the spring.

Accompanying each photograph is a poem, giving voice to the monarch butterfly and inviting viewers to connect emotionally with its plight. The poems represent the subjects’ stories beyond the still image.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information regarding memberships, exhibits, classes, or events at Watermark visit WatermarkArtCenter.org. Watermark is accessible and there is no fee to view exhibits or to visit the retail gallery during regular hours: Monday – Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Watermark is located at 505 Bemidji Ave N, in Bemidji or call 218-444-7570.

This activity is made possible, in part, by a Region 2 Arts Council Artist Support Grant with funding from the McKnight Foundation.