Merge by Gleeva Straughn

09/15/2026

Looking back, it’s hard to believe it was a year ago that I first started sharing Merge out into the community. Working with recycled publications and our local history makes one thing clear: this project belongs to all of us.
Merge continues only because the community wrapped its arms around it and believed in the journey.
To every single person, business, and establishment that has been part of this past year…. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you for trusting the vision, sharing your spaces, platforms, and ears, and reminding me why making art here is so special. Thank you for making me part of your story here in Polk County.

09/05/2026

08/28/2026

A special evening at Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art .
Tonight, “The Pioneer of Order” from the MERGE series greeted guests at the entrance of THE SHERIFF SHOOTS: PHOTOGRAPHS BY GRADY JUDD exhibition for the Patron’s reception.
A quiet moment I’ll carry with me for a long time.
The piece will remain at AGB for Members’ Night tomorrow.

08/21/2026

In the works: Following MERGE, our second annual exhibition returns this Fall 2026 with REFLECTIONS.

Excited to share what we’ve been creating behind the studio doors. Full details and the venue announcement coming soon.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Straughn & Turner PA, for supporting this project.

07/30/2026

“A place that touches the soul.” — Bok Tower Gardens. Designed as a sanctuary of lasting beauty, it invites a quiet moment of reflection.

07/27/2026

Catch this piece on display at the opening night for the AGB Members’ Reception!
The Sheriff Shoots: The Photographs of Grady Judd
📅 Friday, August 28 | 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
📍Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
Event Details: https://agbmuseum.org/upcoming-events/members-reception-the-sheriff-shoots

Merge: The Pioneer of Order, 2025

Local recycled materials, including various publications.

Sheriff Grady Judd’s decisive leadership would have changed the lawless 1840s frontier completely. Using basic resources like mounted patrols, his visible, direct style would immediately bring order. He would quickly organize and professionalize the small groups of deputies to be smarter and more efficient at tracking outlaws. His strong presence would ultimately stabilize the region, making it safer for pioneers and businesses to thrive.