"Embers of Hope" for 2026

Gale's 2026 Mask "Embers of Hope"

The Museum of Art Fort Collins' annual MASKS exhibit and auction is now open in person and online. 2026 Masks runs from April 3 - June 5, 2026.

Click on the catalog cover below to open a flipbook of all the masks in the exhibit.

My creative process this time was meandering... the mask went through several versions before I landed on a color palette and theme I loved.

Gale's blank mask form

First color yellow-orange applied

Orange + yellow base coat

Covered in red paint splashes

Dark red added; swirl pattern begins

Purple bands added

Blood-red flame on right cheek

Referring to Snowlight painting

Finished "Embers of Hope"

It turns out that painting on a 3-D shape with human features can make the composition a bit more tricky! In the end, my inspiration came from a favorite painting of mine titled "Snowlight."

Gale's 2011 painting "Snowlight"

(Snowlight is also included in my collaborative book Good Day: Poetry and Images for Seasons of Optimism.)

You can see my 2026 mask design unfolding, with captions, in this album HERE. Scroll down to read my Artist Statement for "Embers of Hope."

The 2026 Masks Exhibit/Auction closes June 5, 2026 at 9pm sharp (Mountain Time).

Embers of Hope

This mask represents the quiet power of hope. I believe that even the smallest act can kindle change: a single gesture of courage, kindness, or creativity can kindle something larger than itself. The flame symbolizes that first step, and the scattering embers represent the ripple effect a single action can create. Working together with others we can use the power of hope to change the world for the better.