This weekend, a one-of-a-kind artwork will come to life in the heart of a sunflower field — and it all started with a moment of connection under the glow of string lights.
Artist Susan Pominville’s latest work, Gathering Place, is a 4-foot by 8-foot oil painting composed of 100 individually hand-painted canvases. Each one is a signed original, created to stand alone — and as part of something bigger.
The painting will be unveiled Aug. 1-3 at the Earl Farm Foundation’s Sunflower Festival, where the full piece will be shown just once before each canvas heads to its new home.
Proceeds support Earl Farm Foundation’s mission to provide regular protein deliveries to local food pantries.
“This isn’t just about art—it’s about community, generosity, and the power of doing something good together,” said Pominville.
The idea of creating a single painting made of 100 individual pieces first sparked in 2021 — after months apart, the need to remind us we are all connected inspired Pominville’s first sunflower-themed 100-piece work. The idea was to celebrate all of us as unique individuals while reminding us that we are all one.
That same year, at Earl Farm Foundation’s Sunflower Party, something deeper took root. As the sun dropped low and fairy lights glowed in a 200-year-old shag bark hickory, the magic of that night became the inspiration behind this year’s painting, “Gathering Place.” Almost half of the 100 pieces have already sold. Each one helps feed families in Livingston County through the Foundation’s year-round efforts.
This weekend’s event includes: a walkable sunflower field, The barn gallery filled with original art; live bands on Friday and Saturday; free food and drinks; and “Gathering Place,” on view before it’s divided into collector pieces. Anyone who purchases a piece receives free Sunday admission for themselves and their guests, with art pick-up available Saturday after 9 p.m. or Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
To view available pieces or learn more, click here.
For full event details and mission, click here.
