For Priscilla Zwadlo painting is more than a hobby, it’s a joyful expression of memory, emotion, and faith. A lifelong artist, she fondly remembers sketching horses as a child. Today, her canvases reflect the same wonder, filled with landscapes, animals, and portraits of loved ones.

Though she’s sold a few pieces, Priscilla prefers to give her art away. “It feels better that way,” she says with a smile. One of her latest works, Peace Like a River, now hangs at MMC.

Priscilla is largely self-taught and embraces the unpredictability of her process. She starts with a photo, resizes it on paper, and then paints on canvas. But it’s the “happy accidents” that truly define her style. A stray brushstroke or unexpected color leads to creative surprises – like the red elephant that appeared behind a friend’s dog. “Oops!” she laughs. “That was a happy accident!”

Her approach mirrors her outlook on life: flexible, optimistic, and grounded in faith. “I go with whatever happens,” she says. “I’m having fun making the best of things.” Whether in art or life, Priscilla turns the unexpected into something meaningful – making lemonade from lemons with grace and humor.

Her daughter Leta sees painting as a way for Priscilla to process emotions. “About a year ago, we lost my brother,” Leta shares. “Mom’s paintings got very dark for a while. And lately, we’ve seen light and brightness returning.”