Murano Pup by Megan Rieker

Artist: Megan Rieker

Title: Murano Pup

Medium: Oil on canvas

Price: $1,000

Dimensions: 24 x 36 inches

Artist Statement: For a few beautiful years, we were able to live in Italy, about an hour east of Venice. My favorite thing to do was to go explore the venetian islands during reposo - while everyone was eating and napping. I found this scene of a patient pup waiting patiently for his master on the island of Murano. The bright yellow chair and his red leash popped out in the afternoon sun, and I knew I had to paint this faithful little dog!

Artist Bio: Megan's artistic journey is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of life experience and a deep-rooted passion for art, faith, and womanhood. Her story began in Maryland, and has taken her on a remarkable adventure alongside her husband, Mark, whom she married in 1992. Together, they have been blessed with three creatively crazy sons and the joy of being grandparents. Military life has painted their canvas with hues from Germany, Italy, Korea, Colorado, Arizona, Washington DC, and, most recently, they've planted roots in the warm embrace of Pleasant Grove, Utah. Education has been a vital brushstroke in Megan's artistic journey, with a Bachelor's degree in General Fine Arts and a Master's Degree in Teaching Art earned from the Maryland Institute, College of Art. Her art has found its way into the spotlight through various esteemed platforms, including three International Art Competitions, church publications such as the Ensign and the Daughters of My Kingdom book, Church videos, museums, temple visitor's centers, and book covers. For the past 23 years, Megan has been privileged to stand before audiences across the globe, sharing her inspirations on art, women, and faith. Most recently, she had the honor of addressing the gathering at the BYU Women's Conference. The heartbeat of her work, both in art and public speaking, is to uplift and inspire, beckoning others to reach for their potential as cherished children of God. She has served as a Young Women’s President 4 times and twice in Primary, as well as in Stake & Area Relief Society Presidencies. As an artist, Megan finds profound inspiration in the beauty of nature and the depth of portraiture.. Her work often merges these elements to craft captivating narratives of women from church history and the scriptures. Megan's journey of living across diverse corners of the world has bestowed upon her a heightened awareness of the pressing need for diversity in religious art. This sensitivity informs her work, urging her to represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives in her creations. She is driven to shed light on the uplifting lessons we can glean from those who have discovered their inner strength during times of adversity, finding solace and fortitude in their faith. From the iconic figure of Eve to the inspiring Jane Manning James, and even the unnamed women whose lives embody the values we strive to embrace, her art serves as a vessel for messages of hope and resilience.