Through her oil on canvas paintings of wildlife, Monica Hokeilen seeks to reflect a broader scope of life on Earth beyond the well-worn paths of our daily routines that keep us focused on our small part of this planet. She often paints over previous paintings and sketches, allowing parts of the underlying scenes to show through, like creating windows into the past.

“Our stories are always changing, building, overlapping” says Monica. “Our paths all lead us to this moment where we stand on the precipice between what was and what will be.” While she notes that the choices we make have global and multi-generational impacts, she feels that makes them both a weight and an opportunity. Monica’s art is a reminder that the beauty and hope in this world outweighs the despair and hate, and we should be optimistic as we look beyond the horizon of today.

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Barry Schroeder's decision to create art originated from multiple visits to countless horizons. From sunrises and sunsets to lightening, bonfires, waterfalls and rain, across mountain tops and deserts, to sandy beaches with ocean waves. All of these memories and thoughts explored within these moments has motivated him to create artwork that pushes the boundaries of what his mind can imagine and create.

Schroeder has noted that he has made some of his most important decisions while staring out on to the horizon. "Wherever that horizon is, we can all take a moment, breathe deep and move forward. Beyond the Horizon represents imagination and exploration into areas beyond what we are used to or comfortable with. It is here that we can discover our paths and push the limits of what we think we can and cannot do."

Banner Art: “Taking the Long View,” Monica Hokeilen, oil on canvas, 24x30