Artists Guild of Valparaiso Presents a Two-fold Finale: Leena Byrd, Author Launch and “Birds of the Heir” Artist Exhibit 

Photo Credit: Ash Wittmer, Artists of ‘Birds of the Heir’ exhibit at Journeyman’s “The Beauty of Flight” book launch on March 14, 2026. Artists pictured from left to right: Felix ‘Flex’ Maldonado, Eurnice Harris-Scarver, Pattie DeBoer, Lauren Gutzwiller, Ed Spelde, Merrionna Pierce, Kim VanderVinne, Leena Byrd, Teneia Dilosa, Gail Woolever, Alex Kozlowski, Sandy Randall, Leah Romano McMeen, and Carol Estes.

The Artists Guild of Valparaiso will host the concluding reception for “The Birds of the Heir”, a special collaborative exhibition inspired by local Valparaiso author, Leena J. Byrd (pen name), who officially launched her book, The Beauty of Flight this Spring on March 14th. Both the book and the exhibit encircle a collective metaphorical theme: BIRDS. 

Join us as we wrap up this incredible exhibit, a visual nest of local creative ingenuity, on Saturday, June 20th from 4:00 – 7:00p at 255 Indiana Ave. Valparaiso, IN. 46383 

This unique and FREE exhibition invites visitors into a deeply reflective and visually moving experience where literature and visual arts intersect. Each of the 17 artists currently on display created bird-themed artwork inspired by the emotional landscape of Leena’s writing, interwoven with personal interpretations of transformation, connection, grief, hope, and renewal. The exhibit brings together visual interpretations of the emotional themes of LOVE, LOSS, and LIGHT; found in Byrd’s memoir. 

“I’ve navigated some seasons drenched in absolute fear, but who doesn’t in this life, right?” Leena Byrd shrugged, “This memoir took seven years to complete and provided a way out of inconsolable grief. Creative instincts saved my life. Painting got me out of bed, but writing delivered me into LIGHT-filled clarity that only faith can evoke. Yet still, I needed both to evolve into the flight God had in store for me. That leap took immense courage… courage we are all equally capable of. I am merely a small bird who leaned in to listen and now it’s important to spread that message.” Leena Byrd shared.

On June 20th, attendees can purchase “The Beauty of Flight” at this special finale and receive a live signing from Leena, while book copies last. “Flight” provides a cohesive thread for her book, for featured artists’ works, and for viewers’ experience. 

“The Beauty of Flight” is more than a book title, it is a metaphor for growth, release, courage, and becoming,” said Board member Beth Vottero from the Artists Guild of Valparaiso. “This exhibition celebrates the power of storytelling and artistic expression to connect people through shared human experiences.” 

The finale includes: 

• Original artwork of Leena Byrd and 16 fellow birds in her flock 
• Meet and Greet with featured artists 
• Artwork for purchase 
• Book Signing with Leena Byrd 
• Live Music + Light Eats 

An exclusive unveiling of Leena Byrd’s FINAL PAINTING in her series of three ARTIST GUILD OF VALPO Member exhibit celebration 

Live performances by dancers and artists, to be revealed. 

Collaboration between an AUTHOR and visual ARTISTS 

Creative ‘seeds’ of healing, hope, forgiveness, and transformation 

Community members, art lovers, readers, and supporters of the regional arts community are invited to attend and experience this meaningful exhibition. 

About the Artists Guild of Valparaiso 

The Artists Guild of Valparaiso is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists, fostering creativity, and enriching the cultural life of the Northwest Indiana community through exhibitions, education, and collaborative artistic experiences.