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August 8 - August 31

The Brinton Museum is proud to present Joanne Bornong: Follow Your Heart, a solo exhibition that reflects the artist’s deep connection to nature, people, and place. With roots tracing back to one of her earliest works painted by the museum’s historic peony beds, Bornong’s artistic journey has evolved alongside The Brinton itself.

A contemporary realist who works primarily in oils, Bornong brings to life subjects ranging from wildlife to human figures, infusing each piece with sensitivity, strength, and a reverence for the natural world. Her work invites viewers to slow down, observe, and reflect on the beauty and complexity of everyday moments.

Artist’s Statement

My first painting after completing my art degree was a figurative piece done by The Brinton peony beds just a short distance from what was then The Brinton Museum’s Reception Gallery. Since that time, the museum has grown and evolved, as has my art journey.

I am a contemporary realist working in oils and if variety is the spice of life, then perhaps my portfolio could be considered well-seasoned.  What ignites my creative process are visual elements – be it interesting shapes, light and shadow effects, pattern, gesture, texture and so on. There is also a certain strength of character that I’m seeking in my subjects, from the tiniest wildflower to objects of grander scale, I hope to convey that strength through intention, design, and execution of my work. Oil paint is my preferred medium, and I truly enjoy letting the tactile qualities of the medium, emphasized with varying brushstrokes, tell the story in a painting.

The subjects that give me deep satisfaction are people and wildlife. Often it’s people and their relationship to the environment that I find compelling. There’s also the excitement of observing wildlife in their natural habitat, followed by the joy in bringing them to life on canvas. My reverence for nature is an intuitive pulse that finds its way into my art.