Renowned local artist Carmen McCullough is set to launch her latest exhibition, titled “Wicked Plant Art,” in Detroit Lakes. This new collection, which showcases her mixed media artworks, will be displayed at three locations: the Becker County Museum, Bluebird Books, and Ortenstone Gardens and Sculpture Park. The opening reception is scheduled for October 9, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Becker County Museum.
McCullough, who is also known by her artistic pseudonym, Strange Farm Girl, has gained recognition in the lakes area through her participation in various public art initiatives. Her previous projects include the Lake Region Arts Council’s 2022 Consortium exhibition and the Detroit Lakes Energy utility box art project. Since beginning her journey in mixed media collages in 2005, she has even authored several art-infused books.
In spring 2024, Ortenstone was established as the city’s newest public park, showcasing notable installations, including a troll sculpture by Thomas Dambo and environmental pieces by Olga Ziemska. Following the conclusion of Charley Harper’s “Colors and Shapes” exhibition last month, McCullough saw an opportunity to present her work in the same spaces that housed the traveling exhibit.
“I’m no Charley Harper,” McCullough remarked, yet her exhibition shares a similar nature-themed focus. She previously created a nature-inspired collection for the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska, which aligns with the concept of “Wicked Plants.”
When Project 412 sought a new artist to feature in the indoor-outdoor areas designed for Harper’s exhibit, McCullough eagerly volunteered. “I’m the guinea pig,” she stated, emphasizing her involvement in the project’s inception and ongoing marketing efforts.
Amy Stearns, Executive Director of Project 412, expressed enthusiasm for bringing McCullough’s work back to Detroit Lakes. “Carmen’s Wicked Plant Art is a celebration of nature in its darker form. At a time of year when most plants are going dormant, we’re excited to showcase images of these deliciously dark botanicals,” she said.
The “Wicked Plant Art” exhibition features 22 original pieces, the largest collection McCullough has created to date. These works will be displayed at the Becker County Museum during the opening reception, which conveniently concludes just before a tribute concert for Billy Joel and Elton John at the adjacent Historic Holmes Theatre, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Digital reproductions of the “Wicked Plants” series will be placed along the Aspen Overlook Trail at Ortenstone, with selected canvas prints showcased at Bluebird Books. While some installations were still in progress as of the article’s publication, McCullough assured that all would be completed in time for the exhibition’s opening.
The exhibition will remain accessible to the public at all three venues through January 15, 2026.
Exploring the concept of “Wicked Plant Art,” the collection narrates the story of a botanist named Luna Thorne, whose fascination with toxic plants leads her to document her findings in a research journal. Featured species include Stinging Nettle, Hemlock, Poppies, and Foxglove. Each plant possesses a beauty that belies its potentially harmful effects.
“As the saying goes, ‘the dose makes the poison’ — and that couldn’t be more true for these plants,” McCullough remarked.
For those intrigued by the theme, a “Wicked Plant Art Journal” will soon be available at Bluebird Books and the museum, as well as online through Amazon.com. This exhibition is a collaborative project between Project 412 and the Becker County Museum. More information can be found at project412mn.org/Wicked-Plant-Art.
To learn more about McCullough’s artwork, visit StrangeFarmGirl.com.
