Cara Jo O'Connell

I graduated from the College of Visual Arts in 2002 with a BFA focused on painting. Totally restless and suffering from wanderlust, I bounced from Minneapolis to Seattle, San Francisco and Boulder over the course of 10 years before finally settling back in Minneapolis. I found that after starting a family at 27, I lost myself and my connection to some of the things I love, art being one of them. After being back in Minneapolis for 5 years and putting down roots, my children have grown older and more independent. I came upon an opening in the Northrup King Building right before the pandemic in 2019 and I knew it was an opportunity to have my own space again and get involved in our awesome arts community. I am so grateful and excited to be creating again and doing it in the company of so many gifted artists!

My journey through motherhood and the paths I’ve chosen have changed the imagery I am attracted to creating. I'm so in love with portraiture, specifically the grace and beauty of aging. The elegance of an unpolished face is so fascinating to me. I hope to show through my work, the significance of our Mothers, Grandmothers and ancestors. My work is based on found imagery and from people I have met who were gracious enough to let me photograph them. I can't wait to see where this new adventure takes me. I am already feeling so much fulfillment and gratitude in my new journey.

"Finding your passion isn't just about careers and money. It's about finding your authentic self. The one you've buried beneath other people's needs" -Kristin Hannah

Come Visit me at the studio!

Northrup King Building in NE Minneapolis - Studio #203

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