Four Points of Light Celebrates Creative Collaboration & Shared Vision

In the Gallery April 28 – May 23, 2026

NEW YORK MILLS, MN, April 16, 2026— The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to present Four Points of Light, a creative collaboration exhibition on view in the Gallery from April 28 – May 23, 2026.

Four Points of Light is a group exhibition born from a spirit of collaboration among four neighboring artists who chose to work collectively to expand visibility and deepen community engagement. What began as a series of coordinated studio events has evolved into a unified exhibition centered on the theme of light, explored as both subject and metaphor.

“Sometimes the best opportunities come from simply looking around and realizing who you can build something meaningful with,” said Stephen Henning. “This exhibition is a reflection of that shared effort and creative trust.”

Featuring the work of Calvin deRuyter, Lyssa Lovejoy, Jackie Henning, and Stephen Henning, the exhibition presents a diverse range of artistic approaches spanning painting and mixed media. While each artist brings a distinct voice and perspective, the collection is united by a shared interest in light as a means of expressing energy, atmosphere, and human connection.

“Though our styles differ, we discovered a common thread in how we each respond to light,” said Lyssa Lovejoy. “It became a natural foundation for this exhibition.”

Artist Biographies

Calvin deRuyter is a Hamline University–trained painter whose work has received 29 awards, including four Best in Show honors. His paintings explore visual tension through the interplay of color, texture, and the balance between organic and geometric forms.

Jackie Henning works in mixed media, combining photography, paint, plaster, and natural materials to uncover the beauty within everyday subjects. Her tactile, layered pieces reflect a deep curiosity about texture and transformation.

Stephen Henning is a contemporary impressionist painter whose work explores light and atmosphere in natural settings. With a background in design, his practice is rooted in an ongoing exploration of how color and form evoke emotional response.

Lyssa Lovejoy blends Contemporary, Abstract, and Expressionist influences to explore themes of humanity, resilience, and empathy. Her work often incorporates hidden text, inviting viewers into a more intimate and reflective experience.

Four Points of Light will be on view from April 28 through May 23, 2026, at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. Admission is free and open to the public, thanks to support from members and donors.

In place of a formal reception, a series of Pop-Up Artist Talks will be held throughout the exhibition. Dates and times will be announced on our social media channels and website.

“This exhibition is not just about individual work,” Henning added. “It’s about what can happen when artists come together with a shared intention to create something larger than themselves.”

The Cultural Center is honored to present this collaborative exhibition, a direct fulfillment of our mission and vision to support regional artists and celebrate the local.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

For more information, visit www.kulcher.org or contact Megan Shirley-Ross, Artistic Director at 218-385-3339 or megan@kulcher.org.

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About the Cultural Center

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. The Center offers visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in its 80-seat concert listening room, visual art gallery in a historic building, gallery gift store featuring local artists, artist residency program, sculpture park, and a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Since its incorporation in 1990, the Cultural Center has been passionate about connecting people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world. For more information, call 218-385-3339, or visit www.kulcher.org.