Mish Stewart is an artist known for her whimsical, sometimes dark mixed media, collage, photography, assemblage, and textile work. Stewart’s artworks evoke nostalgia and allows the viewer to see a story that pays homage to America’s geographic and cultural history. As a child growing up on the northern prairie of the States, Stewart channels the folklore passed down from her family who immigrated from Crimea. The artist also draws inspiration from both anonymous and family images, while women of all generations are prevalent in her art as a muse.

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I might have missed this touching gesture if it wasn’t for the name on this church bench that drew me closer. I’ve been collecting odd and wonderful names for five years now, writing them down in what I call my “names book.” As I was reading the remembrance on this church bench, I noticed a small piece of paper tucked behind the plaque. Do you see it there peeking out on the right side? I knew before I touched it that it was going to be a note from someone who loved this “father, friend, gentleman.” There were only a few words in this missive…endearing, tender, sad. I tucked the note back where I found it. It will stay there until the wind carries it away or it degrades from time and weather. I made this piece years ago and she sold at an exhibition. Love her moodiness. A very unromantic death at a Hemingford village cemetery.