You know those moments where your insides light up and you feel a jolt of energy zip through your nervous system?
That’s what it felt like when the University of Minnesota contacted me about purchasing “Hugging the Edge” for their newly renovated building that houses the Masonic Institute for Brain Development in St. Paul, MN.
Of course I’m thrilled when anyone buys my work. Simply knowing someone loved it enough to want to look at it all the time is a huge compliment. BUT there is something even more special in knowing that my paintings will exist in a public space, where lots of folks can be impacted by it on a regular basis.
It seems more and more companies and organizations are recognizing the value in curating an original art collection for their workspaces.
I’m so on board with that.
Especially since the last few years have really highlighted the importance of supporting employee mental health. And with a growing body of research that suggests art has a positive impact on employee well-being AND productivity, I’m surprised when companies DON’T invest in art for their spaces.
What a great way to show employees that you truly care about them by using art to create a space that is inviting, inspiring, and promotes connection. (I mean after you give them good health insurance, parental leave and an inclusive work culture, of course).
Plus art can serve as a super fun landmark (“Meet me over by that big blue landscape in ten minutes, okay?”).
Anyway, all that to say that I’m thrilled to be included in the University’s permanent art collection and I can’t wait to find more art-hungry companies and organizations to work with.
If you love this piece as much as I do, you can still get prints in three different sizes in the printshop.
