Ghost Gallery: Tonic: A Medicinal Flora & Fungi Exhibition
Curated by Laurie Kearney
March 13th - May 3rd
Ghost Gallery
Seattle, WA
A group exhibition of 98 artists in Seattle to educate, inform and inspire our community by sharing the beauty, benefits (and even some dangers) of medicinal herbs, flowers, plants & fungi.
In my application to this gallery, we were asked to provide the medicinal qualities of each submission. The gallery selected 3 pieces which featured magnolias, lily pads and fiddleheads and their medical qualities.
A serene close-up from the New England Botanical Garden, featuring the gentle elegance of a single magnolia flower. Its graceful form and soft hues offer a peaceful pause, showcasing the quiet charm of early spring.
Medium: Photography, 2024
Limited Edition Print: 1,000, 8×10
Exhibited at Ghost Gallery, Seattle WA, March - May 2026 for Tonic: A Medicinal Flora & Fungi Exhibition
Did you know?
Magnolia bark is a staple in traditional Eastern medicine. It contains honokiol and magnolol, compounds that are highly effective at reducing cortisol levels, easing stress, and improving sleep quality without causing daytime drowsiness.
This captivating image from the New England Botanical Garden offers a charming glimpse into a serene pond, teeming with vibrant lily pads. Amidst the circular green and reddish leaves, many still adorned with glistening raindrops, a watchful frog's eyes peek just above the water's surface, perfectly camouflaged. It's a delightful and intimate portrayal of wetland life, showcasing the natural beauty and hidden inhabitants of the garden.
Medium: Photography, 2021
Limited Edition Print: 1,000, 8×10
Exhibited at Ghost Gallery, Seattle WA, March - May 2026 for Tonic: A Medicinal Flora & Fungi Exhibition
Did you know?
In many herbal traditions, the rhizomes and flowers of water lilies are used as an astringent and sedative. They have been applied topically to soothe skin inflammations and internally to help regulate heart rhythm and reduce anxiety.
This captivating close-up, taken amidst the vibrant flora of Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, beautifully captures the intricate detail of a young fiddlehead fern. The tightly coiled frond, still unfurling, presents a perfect spiral, a symbol of new life and the delicate patterns found in nature. Its rich, dark stem contrasts strikingly with the soft, out-of-focus background of lush, verdant greens and yellows, suggesting the vibrant and fertile environment of the Hawaiian ecosystem. The image highlights both the intricate beauty of individual plant life and the dynamic, ever-growing landscape of the park.
Medium: Photography, 2024
Limited Edition Print: 1,000, 8×10
Exhibited at Ghost Gallery, Seattle WA, March - May 2026 for Tonic: A Medicinal Flora & Fungi Exhibition
Did you know?
Many fern species, including those whose young fronds are called fiddleheads, are packed with antioxidants, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. They are historically used to treat inflammation and are valued for their high concentration of minerals that support immune health.
