Nicole's Reel + Reflections On Boneyard Arts Festival 2026
Nicole’s Reflections On Participating In The Boneyard Arts Festival 2026
“How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!”
Psalm 133, NRSVUE
Good Monday morning, Friend!
Greetings from Nicole Anderson Cobb, PhD, educator and watercolor painter.
I hope this post finds you well.
I completed my second year of participation in the Boneyard Arts Festival 2026 just about 17 hours ago. The scripture above is the one that best captures my experience.
So, in addition to the short video/reel provided above, I wanted to share my initial thoughts on the amazing experience this year.
A.) Sincere Thanks To My 2026 Host Site: First Mennonite Church of Champaign Urbana
First Mennonite Church of Champaign Urbana ( https://fmc-cu.org/ ) was a tremendous partner for this year’s Boneyard Arts Festival 2026.
Their support of my sale was so deeply generous by providing space in their building, support from their pastor Michael Crosby, assistance from two FMC staff members (Donna & Rhonda) and 10 volunteers who provided hourly support to me over the three-day sale—in addition to help from my husband and daughter.
Therefore, I cannot say enough about the hospitality, energy, support and encouragement that I received from First Mennonite Church.
I've never experienced this kind of generosity, and I'm humbled every moment to think about the support FMC leadership, staff, and congregation offered me.
B.) Spiritual Renewal That Sharing Art In Community Provides
Additionally, I am grateful to have participated in the Boneyard Arts Festival 2026 at First Mennonite Church of Champaign Urbana for the following reasons:
—It was an opportunity to share my work in a new space in the community.
—It was a great opportunity for people to learn more about the work I'm doing as a watercolor painter, and I met amazing community members, fellow artists, and FMC church members over the three-day festival.
***Thank you to all of the great visitors and customers whom I met at FMC during the sale.***
— I loved sharing the work, discussing the art, and getting a feel for the kinds of art that the community enjoys and is responsive to.
—I am grateful for the opportunity to use my art to benefit humanitarian causes via the World Central Kitchen efforts …and to have our community respond so beautifully to help others.
C.) Feel Free To Reach Out To Me For Post-Boneyard Art Festival Sales, Workshops & Programs
There are still opportunities to support the “Backpacks For Minab” postcard fundraiser.
So, feel free to request postcards: $20 for one card and $10 for every additional postcard.
50% of your donation will go to WCK (World Central Kitchen).
Request postcards at drnicolecontemplativeprograms@gmail.com
Postcards can be mailed to you.
Also, please reach out if you are interested in any of my painting-related programs, contemplative classes, or workshops that I might offer to your groups or organizations.
https://www.nicolecobbproductions.com/
Take wonderful care and have a great week!
—Nicole Anderson Cobb, PhD, 2025 & 2026 Boneyard Arts Festival Participating Artist
Nicole Anderson Cobb, Featured Artist At Boneyard Arts Festival Locations***THIS WEEK***
I am writing to share that I am participating in the Boneyard Arts Festival 2026 for the second year.
This year, my host location will be First Mennonite Church of Champaign Urbana (also known as FMC for short) where I will be selling original paintings, prints, and cards. (https://boneyardartsfestival.org/events/list/?tribe-bar-search=First+Mennonite+Church+Champaign+Urbana)
Additionally, FMC is generously allowing me to set up a gallery of my work so that visitors can see the themes I have been exploring in my work from July 2023-present.
I really REALLY HAVE TO make room for new ( and larger work) in my home office/studio...so there will be lots of great sales and even a few paintings that are donation only.
Yes, this IS a busy time of year. However, if you have time, stop by, visit the gallery, and buy paintings and prints at First Mennonite Church, 902 W. Springfield, Corner of Springfield & Lincoln, Urbana).
---Friday, April 10, 10a-2p
---Saturday, April 11, 11a-4p
---Sunday, April 12, 2:30p-4:30p
***I also have work at Espresso Royale Village Green on the corner of Windsor and Duncan in Champaign
( https://www.espressoroyalecu.com/s/store-locator). Feel free to stop by and see work from my "Indigenous Imaginings" series as well.***
B.) My "Backpacks of Minab" Painting Fundraiser Benefiting World Central Kitchen (WKC)
I began these 18 x 24 series of paintings "The Backpacks of Minab" in response to the killing of 168+ children and teachers in Minab, Iran, on February 28, 2026.
As a parent and educator (in a family filled with educators of all kind), this MASSIVE destruction of lives, community, and property at a school hit me hard.
Thus, my despair led to painting --which has become my vehicle to process tragedy and life concerns...
...Then after attending the FMC Lament class with Pastor Crosby during Winter 2026, the Holy Spirit nudged me to write a lament to go along with the painting......And the FMC Palm Sunday Hope & Lament Service provided an opportunity to share the painting and lament in worship....
...I then decided to make prints of the painting and launch a fundraiser to support humanitarian relief.
I reached out to World Central Kitchen, and they are deeply appreciative of this initiative.
To be clear: this is my initiative and is not a WCK-sponsored fundraiser; yet, the WCK fundraising team has provided enthusiasm, guidance and resources (including signage) to support this fundraiser. #@wckitchen
Consequently, 50% of the proceeds from the prints sold will be donated to World Central Kitchen (WKC) to provide food assistance in areas impacted by the current US/Iran conflict.
***6x9 print of this painting are available for purchase. The prices are 1/ $15, 2 for $25, 3/ $35, 4/ $45...and so on...***
So, please stop by First Mennonite Church on April 10, 11, or 12 to purchase a print and support this fundraising cause.
If you would like to make a donation, please donate via the following platforms:
Cashapp: $NicoleDAndersonCobb
Or
---Zelle: nicole.andersoncobb@gmail.com
Or
---Venmo: @Nicole-AndersonCobb
Do keep us in your prayers during this busy time and for a successful sale & fundraiser.
Finally, let us continue to be in prayer and support for one another.
Take wonderful care of you and yours during these challenging days!
---Nicole Anderson Cobb, PhD, Boneyard Art Festival 2026 Participating Artist
Nicole Anderson Cobb, PhD
Educator
Contemplative Small Group & Retreat Leader
Dissertation & Thesis Writing Mentor/Coach
Painting Through The Scriptures Creator/Facilitator
***Work Hours: Tuesday-Sunday; I am away from the office and email on Mondays.***
Dr. Nicole's Website: https://www.nicolecobbproductions.com/
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