Ava Anthea Shively Exhibit Opening at ArtHaus

DECORAH, Iowa—Artist Ava Anthea Shively is set to debut their latest exhibit, "Fluorescent Pink, Golden Light," a stunning showcase of oil paintings exploring overwhelming feelings of joy and connection. The exhibit opens on May 2 with an opening reception from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Doyle G Heyveld Gallery at ArtHaus, and the collection will remain on display through May 31. Using collage language, saturated color palettes, and mixed styles of representation, Shively's work captures moments of radiant emotion. The exhibit celebrates joy through isolated or repeated elements, with fluorescent pink and golden yellow serving as central themes to express love, belonging, and peace. "Fluorescent Pink is like knowing I am loved," Shively explains. "It's the first realization of a shared friendship, the feeling of belonging while cooking a shared meal, or the vibrancy of running fast to nowhere. Yellow, by contrast, is a warm peace—the feeling of my soul spilling out, an overly tight hug, or a sleepy afternoon sun." Shively is an oil painter and illustrator whose work is deeply personal while inviting viewers into a shared experience of joy and community. A 2024 graduate of Luther College with degrees in Fine Art and German, Ava has since lived in Decorah and Minneapolis, MN, while working as a farmhand, framer, and substitute teacher. In January 2025, Ava was a resident artist at the Grünewald Guild. This year, Shively will also present solo shows at the Decorah ArtHaus, The Root Note in La Crosse, WI, and the Minneapolis Bouldering Project, among others.