In Holy Wisdom’s new art exhibit, local photographer Sandy Wojtal-Weber and poet David McKee bring their individual work together in a very personal way. Knowing each other since the early 1990s, the collaboration was inevitable. Hidden Glimmers will feature 23 of Sandy’s photographs enhanced by David’s haiku. “We are of the same mind,” they said. “We simply use different mediums.”
“For me, it’s all about paying attention,” said Sandy. “The world lets me in and my eyes and mind are in the same place at the same time. With my lens I capture the stillness. It takes my breath away.” David agreed. “Writing is a practice of being receptive and putting up the least resistance. I love playing with words but it is still work. This exhibit brings the visual and written word together.”
Sandy graduated with a degree in Clinical Social Work and spent time working with inner city kids in Chicago. After earning a graduate degree, she continued to serve others in a variety of settings in Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison. After moving to Madison, a friend encouraged her to explore her love of photography and she enrolled in MATC receiving a commercial photography degree. Although she found employment in a commercial studio, Sandy missed her involvement with youth. It was then that she developed the On The Borderline Project, a photography program for girls ages 10 – 12. “I found a way to combine photography and a desire to help others. Through photography, this program helped girls recognize the gifts and strengths they already had before going through adolescence.” The project ran for ten years, and Sandy was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the community by being awarded the North Star Community Award.
David grew up in Placerville, California and moved to the Midwest in 1973. After working for 20 years as a research sociologist, David became a psychotherapist in 1995 and spent 25 years working with children, individuals, families and couples. “Much of my life I have wanted to have a creative outlet,” David commented. “Twenty years ago, the Way of Haiku found me.” After writing in his journal following a meditative walk, he wrote a very brief poem that encapsulated the experience. “Since that morning, writing haiku has become a Way for me: a creative practice that deepens my attention to and appreciation of the mystery of the inner and outer worlds that are my life.” David’s haiku have been published in various journals and have been anthologized most recently in Haiku 2024. In 2025, he was invited to join a group of 17 haiku poets in sharing their work in the New Resonance series published by Red Moon Press.
The exhibit is on display in the Gathering Area of the monastery from February 4 – May 5, 2026. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 8:00 am-4:30pm (excluding holidays) and Sunday 10:00-11:00 am.
An opening reception will be held on Friday, March 13 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is appreciated.
Comments 1
What an absolutely stunning exhibit!! The Haiku along with the beautiful photos is so unique! I had the opportunity to view these gems on a day I was out at the Monastery. There was no one else around and these treasures inspired a very meditative experience!! Thanks for sharing them with us!