Wicked Plant
Art
Open Fall 2025
through January 2026
Wicked Plant Art
A wickedly imaginative blend of art and nature
by Artist Carmen McCullough
On Exhibit in Three Locations Across Detroit Lakes
Carmen McCullough’s Wicked Plant Art returns home
to Detroit Lakes during the fall of 2025
McCullough’s Wicked Plant Art isn’t just a collection of artwork – it’s a homegrown story with roots beyond Detroit Lakes. The artwork was originally created for and displayed at the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens in Omaha in 2024, where it complemented their annual showcase of real, live Wicked Plants.
The collection reflects the dark obsession of a curious botanist logging sketches, photos, and handwritten notes into her research journal. You’ll see Stinging Nettle, Hemlock, Poppies, Foxglove, and more. While beautiful and sometimes helpful in small doses, their toxic personalities can also cause discomfort, pain, and even death. “As the saying goes, ‘the dose makes the poison’ – and that couldn’t be more true for these plants,” says McCullough.
“We’re thrilled to bring this collection back to Detroit Lakes.
Carmen’s Wicked Plant Art is a celebration of nature in its darker form.
At a time of year when most plants are going dormant,
we’re excited to be able to showcase images of these deliciously dark botanicals
in a digital format in Ortenstone Gardens and beyond.”
Get Ready to be Awe-Stricken
by Beautiful & Toxic Bontanicals
The wicked art collection is in an indoor-outdoor exhibit featuring both original artwork and digital reproductions in three locations across Detroit Lakes.
- Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park –28499 Randolph Rd, Detroit Lakes — Experience digital reproductions of the artwork along the Aspen Overlook Trail.
- Becker County Museum – 714 Summit Ave, Detroit Lakes — See the 22 original collages here.
- Bluebird Books – 813 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes — Select canvas prints from the series are available here.
Free & Open to the Public
The exhibits will remain open during each venue’s operating hours through January 15, 2026.
This exhibition is free and open to the public – thanks to Project 412 Wave Maker supporters.
Join us for the Exhibit’s opening
reception on October 9th, 2025 from 5 to 7 pm
at the Becker County Museum • 714 Summit Avenue in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
"While beautiful and sometimes helpful in small doses, their toxic personalities can also cause discomfort, pain, and even death. As the saying goes, ‘the dose makes the poison’ - and that couldn’t be more true for these plants.”
About the Artist
Carmen McCullough
Carmen McCullough (also known as Strange Farm Girl) is a curious creator and proven promoter of artsy projects that take us off the beaten path.
She is inspired by the night sky, old and abandoned places, a quiet cemetery, and the changing seasons. Learn more at StrangeFarmGirl.com.