Native Fish Project
Growing up in Minnesota, my earliest memories were spent staring into the water, fascinated by the fish looking back at me. That childhood curiosity eventually led me to a career as a Fisheries Specialist, where I came to appreciate the incredible diversity of native fish and the vital roles they play in our rivers and lakes.
Over time, I realized that many of our most remarkable species are also our least appreciated. Fish like bowfin, buffalo, paddlefish, gar, and sturgeon are often misunderstood because they aren’t commonly caught, stocked, or celebrated. Yet these ancient fish have survived for millions of years, each evolving to fill a unique ecological niche that helps keep aquatic ecosystems healthy.
This project was created to tell their story through art. Each painting highlights not only the beauty of these species but also their ecological importance and evolutionary history. My hope is that by inviting people to look closely—to notice the colors, textures, and personalities of these fish—they will begin to see them not as “rough fish” or forgotten species, but as extraordinary animals worthy of admiration and conservation.
Art has the power to make people pause. Science helps us understand why these species matter. Together, they create an opportunity to build a deeper appreciation for the rivers beneath the surface and the remarkable life they sustain.
This activity is made possible by a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council with funds from The McKnight Foundation.