Mery McNett Confronts Grief with Vibrant Art

The Tulsa Artist’ Coalition gallery, known for its thought-provoking exhibitions, presents a deeply personal and surprisingly uplifting exploration of long-term grief in “Flowers Shall Grow”. Artist Mery McNett tackles a subject often avoided, transforming her experience of loss into an interactive display of energy-filled paintings bursting with fluorescent colors, whimsical figures, and symbolic flowers. Despite its theme, the exhibit is far from somber. McNett explains, “This is an examination of grief and how it brings joy to your life through realizing what is really important. How grief makes you realize what your heart and body and existence should focus on.”

Inspired by the loss of her father to COVID and her beloved dog within a five-week period in 2020, McNett’s new works trace the evolving relationship with her grief. Visitors can expect to see her father depicted with a foliage crown in a lightning storm and her dog reimagined as part human gazing at the stars, reflecting her belief that they remain with her as spirits. Beyond the thirteen paintings on display, the exhibit incorporates a video, a life-sized sculpture, and QR codes linked to the music McNett listened to while painting, encouraging visitors to bring headphones for a more immersive experience. Adding an interactive element, attendees can create and take home a personalized flower with a message to honor their own lost loved ones.

A Tulsa artist and educator for 13 years, McNett’s work has graced institutions like the Gilcrease Museum and AHHA. She currently serves as Education Director at the Liggett Gallery and brings art to public schools through Every Given Child and her mobile Artsy Cartsy.