“The Stories That Maps and Birds Tell,” by Cheryl Brown, is a new art exhibit that will open in the UUC chapel on Sunday, May 3. All are invited to meet the artist at 12:15 p.m. in the chapel immediately after the second service. No public art reception is planned. The exhibit will hang until June 19, 2026.

Brown is a mixed media artist whose vibrant collages celebrate the intersection of nature and geography. Drawing inspiration from the intricate beauty of birds and the timeless allure of vintage maps, Brown’s work invites viewers to explore the delicate relationship between wildlife and place. Each piece is a layered journey—ravens soaring over the Pacific Northwest, woodpeckers perched on the borders of old cartography, puffins and crows navigating textured landscapes that echo both memory and migration.

With a background in collage and a passion for storytelling, Brown weaves together patterns, textures, and color to create art that is both visually striking and deeply evocative. Her work reflects a fascination with exploration, habitat, and the stories that maps and birds can tell when brought together in unexpected ways.

Brown’s art has found a home with collectors who appreciate contemporary nature art, mixed media, and the poetic resonance of place. Through her Instagram portfolio (@cherylbrownstudio) she shares not only finished pieces but also the stories and processes behind them, inviting her audience to connect with the wonder of the natural world—one map, one bird, one collage at a time.

A lifelong resident of Washington State, living in Edmonds, Brown has recently retired after 35 years with Seattle Parks and Recreation. Her work is her response to ‘empty nest syndrome’ after raising three sons. One of her life goals is to visit all of the National Parks in the US, and she considers herself a map geek and a bird nerd. Brown’s work can be seen at northwest art festivals including the Edmonds Art Festival (June), the Bellevue Art Festival (July) and the Edmonds Artist Studio Tour (September). For more information about Brown and her work, visit www.cherylbrownstudio.com.