About nancy

I am an accomplished artist in several mediums. I am primarily self-taught and seek to express my spirit in my work. I believe self-expression is essential for a full life. Art is a way to communicate those things there are no words for and a way to acknowledge sacred experiences.

I am a gifted medium, with exceptional clarity and a sense of humor. My goal is to help people gain practical information that facilitates healing, assist them in living their purpose and find balance in an ever-changing world.  I have over 40 years' experience working as a medium.

I wrote and illustrated four books. Women's Experience Coloring Book, which is currently out of print, and will be on the shelves again when a publisher can be found. My other three books, the Ripples Of Wisdom Trilogy, are about my paddling journey down the Mississippi River, where I gathered elder women's wisdom. The books are: 

-Water Women Wisdom: Voices from the Upper Mississippi

-Ripples Of Wisdom: A Journey through Mud and Truth 

-Waves Of Wisdom: Grace, Guts and Gators on the Lower Mississippi

To purchase a set of books Contact Nancy

I communicate articulately and my presentations are down-to-earth and heartwarming. I tailor the subject matter to my audience. Presentations have included: Intuitive Development; Art and Healing, Humor and Healing; and the Ripples Of Wisdom Project. Clients include: Hazelden Foundation's Women's Healing Conference; Lake City Medical Center; Mayo Health System's Morning for Women; Minnesota Public Libraries; Adler Institute; Northeastern Illinois University TEAM Conferences. 

I established Creative Journeys, Inc. in 1987, now known as Blue Heron Creations, a company dedicated to creative expression. In 2005, I co-founded a community gathering place The Front Porch Coffee & Tea Co. in Ely, Minnesota. In 2015 I established Art & Soul Gallery in Ely. 

• 2017 ~ Mural Project, Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust Grant
• 2014 ~ Collaborative mural project between Nancy and the Tofte Lake 

                             Arts Center, Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust Grant  

• 2013 ~ Dr. James Gillihan Teachers of Experiential and Adventure 

                             Methodology Award for Nancy's work on the Ripples Of Wisdom 

                             Project. Award given to servant leaders who step forward expecting 

                             nothing in return and exemplify the four qualities of a Lakota 

                             warrior; bravery, fortitude, generosity and wisdom

• 2013 ~ Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Fellowship Grant
• 2009 ~ First place Hollywood Book Festival, Children's Category for 

                             The Magical Adventures of Clara the Cleaning Lady illustrations 

• 2008 & 2009 ~ First Place Midwest Book Achievement Awards for 

                            Willie Walleye Underwater Adventures illustrations 

• 2008 ~ Mural project at the Front Porch Coffee &Tea Co., Donald G. 

                             Gardner Humanities Trust Grant  

• 2008 ~ Recognition Award Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards for 

                            Water Women Wisdom: Voices From the Upper Mississippi writing 

                             and illustrations

• 2007 ~ Minnesota Women's Press ChangeMaker Award for work with 

                             the Ripples Of Wisdom Project for extraordinary actions taken to 

                             create greater equality, justice and self-determination for women 

                             and girls.

• 2007 ~ Fish Sculpture contest, Ely Mayor's Choice Award, Minnesota
• 1994 ~ City of Minnetonka Reflections Award, in recognition of the 

                             outstanding volunteer contributions to The Depot Coffee House 

                             and its creation

• 2002 - 2023 ~ Ely Winter Festival Snow Sculptors Symposium,

                             Professional Snow Carver, Ely Minnesota

• 2006 - 2018 ~ Ely Greenstone Public Juried Art Show, Ely, Minnesota
• 2004 - 2017 ~ Ely Art Walk, Ely, Minnesota
• 2007-2008 ~ Solo exhibition Frandsen Bank and Trust Building, Ely, 

                             Minnesota

• 2003 - 2004 ~ Blueberry Arts Festival, Ely, Minnesota
• 2003 - 2004 ~ Harvest Moon Festival, Ely, Minnesota
• 2002 ~ Solo exhibition, Northern Grounds Cafe, Ely, Minnesota
• 1988 ~ Solo exhibition of poetry, short story and artwork entitled Singing Her Truth depicting healing from domestic violence, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hopkins, Minnesota