We recently connected with Megan Gael McCarthy and have shared our conversation below.

Megan Gael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Last year I applied to an open call for the Locals Only gallery in the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, Colorado. At the time I had been creating work that was significantly different from anything I had done before. Not only did the finished pieces differ, but the process itself was a new exploration for me.

With these new paintings I was striving to capture their essence during my initial application of paint, as opposed to building it with many layers over time. The paintings were minimalistic in both composition and color, challenging me to tell an entire story with little information. Looking at the body of work as a whole, I realized what a cohesive collection it was, and went in search of a place to display it.

“Exploring the Nature of Origins” is my first exhibition where each piece is truly related to the next. They are all born from the inspiration to harness the beauty of spontaneity, those perfect moments when abandon results in something delightfully unexpected. They speak to trusting ourselves, not second-guessing, living in the moment and appreciating the simple things. And as a group, that message becomes powerful.

I’m so grateful to have been granted the opportunity to share this in a location that honors creatives and artists of all kinds. I invite people to come enjoy it, now through May 4, 2025.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After studying art as a young woman at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, I tried as best I could to incorporate creativity into my work. I had a wide range of occupations that over time steered me further and further away from art. In 2019 I was convinced to attend a painting workshop at La Porte Peinte Centre pour les Arts in Noyers-sur-Serein, France. This village, along with the Muse Destination workshop led by my dear friend and mentor, Trish Land, altered the course of my life forever. I was overwhelmed by how obvious it was that I needed creativity in my life and had been neglecting my mental and emotional health. I left France determined to remedy that, and in 2020 I launched Megan Gael McCarthy Art.

As a professional artist I work out of Wilderness Art Studios in Boulder, Colorado. My primary medium is water-based oil paint, although I enjoy exploring the endless options visual art offers. My painting has evolved from impressionistic to what I would term abstract expressionism, but I allow myself to follow inspiration that may lead to a wide variety of techniques and styles.

I am fortunate to have found a community of vibrant artists that support and encourage one another – the Boulder Art Association that just celebrated its 100th year, the younger Open Studios celebrating their 30th year, and the NoBo Art District which is constantly growing and expanding. We just finished up Boulder Arts Week, an annual event where all of the Arts are highlighted and promoted throughout the city, shining a light on just how many creatives live here.

My work can currently be seen at The Dairy Arts Center, the New Local Gallery and Cafe Aion, all in Boulder, as well as the Fig & Ivy in Longmont. I invite visitors to contact me for a personal tour of my studio or peruse my art online at my website.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I’ve had many conversations recently with other artists in the Boulder area about how we can join forces to shine a light on our community of artists. The recent Boulder Arts Week celebration offered opportunities to collaborate with various artistic organizations and venues, and it’s that type of connection that we need to nurture.

For an area with such a cultured population, Boulder struggles to provide venues and means for artists to display their work. At a time when funding is being threatened, it’s critical that non-profit groups that work to create more visibility for the arts are supported by government, businesses and individuals with the means. These organizations are critical in providing resources that connect the many creatives in the area with the public at large.

It would be fabulous to see more events like Boulder Arts Week developed and promoted, to continue fostering accessible art locally.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Mental health has been brought more to the forefront recently, which is an encouraging sign. The stigma that has surrounded mental illness has resulted in so many people not seeking the help they need and deserve. Celebrities sharing their personal stories and struggles has opened up conversations critical to making significant changes in how society addresses this issue.

Fortunately for me, I did seek help years ago in managing my depression. I believed I was taking care of myself, doing what I could to be as mentally healthy as possible. My experience attending the painting workshop in France in 2019 was like being doused with cold water. The intense joy I felt immersing myself in beauty and creativity was overwhelming. I had completely neglected something that was so impactful for my mental and emotional wellbeing – art.

For me, painting is not simply an activity that I enjoy and can make a business of. It’s a source of “medication” – completely free and self administered in as large a dose as I choose – that has made my life more balanced and fulfilling. My ultimate goal is never to lose sight of this gift again, and encourage others like me to engage in activities proven to help with mental illness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.megangaelmccarthyart.com/
• Instagram: @mgmfineart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.mccarthy.7186896
• Other: mgm7097@gmail.com

Image Credits

Abby Shepard