05/12/2026
From the sky above to the bikers on our streets, the spirit of our 2026 MASKS exhibit is woven into the fabric of our NoCo community. As you look through these images, you'll find a story of partnership and perseverance at the heart of the art.
We’ve teamed up with WomenGive to provide a creative platform for dreamers and mothers like Lizzy Henderson. For Lizzy, being featured in this exhibit is a full-circle moment; she once visited the Museum of Art Fort Collins as a dreamer from afar, and today, her work helps define its walls.
Her mask was inspired by Haley Heynderickx’s song “The Bug Collector,” a recurring anthem in her life. It serves as a beautiful metaphor for the way we can validate the fears and anxieties of those we love, like a child afraid of a small bug, by showing them they are safe.
As a single mother navigating the "growing pains" of returning to school, Lizzy found that art became her voice when words weren't enough. Through the support of WomenGive, she was able to bridge the gap between day-to-day survival and a future filled with creativity and hope. Her mask is more than an art piece; it is a tangible reflection of her resilience and the community that helped alleviate her worries along the way.
Her story reminds us that self-actualization isn’t a solo journey; it’s about lifting each other up, honoring our unique stories, and building a community where everyone belongs.
(And remember, as Lizzy says: it’s okay if you’re still afraid of spiders!)
