The exhibit featured more than 47 oil paintings in a variety of sizes, all original works.

Brie Tarrelson, owner of Lykke Books, said the event stemmed from a desire to support local artists. “We try to give space to lift up local artists as much as possible,” she said. “Tammy Klawitter — one of our booksellers — made the connection with Monica. Her oil paintings are gorgeous.”

Mages began painting seriously after recovering from leukemia in 2010.

“I’ve always been a positive person,” she said. “Going through something like that really confirmed for me that you have to stay positive.”

Monica Mages with her niece Gabby Bemmels of LeSueur, MN, holding Lovely Daisies—the painting Gabby chose as her Christmas gift this year. Photo by Amanda Bemmels

Her early work focused on ink and paper before moving to acrylics and later oils, which she prefers.

“I think everybody needs to slow down a little bit and find something they love to do,” Mages said. Her paintings include landscapes and still-life works, with inspiration drawn from the Midwest, France, and Switzerland. Each piece was framed with custom woodwork crafted by her husband, Ed Mages.

“Oils are easier to work with in my world,” she said. “The colors are very vibrant, so you can get the colors that are out in nature.”

Mages paints both in her studio and outdoors, a technique known as “plein air,” a French term meaning “in the open air.”

“You can pluck a color out of nature and be able to place it down on the painting surface,” she explained.

Ed Mages, a general contractor with more than 35 years of experience, experimented with several woods and now mainly uses walnut and poplar to make frames that complement Monica’s artwork.

The couple was assisted in setting up the exhibit by Ed’s sister, Amanda Bemmels of Le Sueur, and sister-in-law Sarah Mages of Courtland. Ed, the eldest of six children and son of Larry Mages, comes from a musical family — though he said he’s “probably the only one who isn’t” musically inclined.

Mages cited her artistic influences as Kami Mendlik of Stillwater, Minnesota, as well as classical artists including Degas, Seurat, and John Singer Sargent.

“Artistic style is unique to the artist,” she said. “It will always be in your own personal voice.”

Monica and Ed Mages reside in Courtland and have three grown children: McKenna, 28; Brennen, 26; and Luke, 22. Mages works remotely for Mayo Clinic. She said she appreciates the hometown feel of the New Ulm and Courtland area, noting that families often return to raise their children locally.

The afternoon marked a milestone for Mages, who said she continues to evolve as an artist. For more information on Mages’ work or to inquire about commissions, call 507-276-0890.