“I Could Fly All Along” – A Gift of Wings to Inspire Young Artists at cMoe

The Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe) is honored to receive a breathtaking art installation from local artist Lesley Nelson, whose work embodies creativity, resilience, and empowerment. This piece, titled:

“I could fly all along I didn’t need to belong I just needed wings” is more than art—it’s an experience. Visitors are invited to step inside the wings, feel their embrace, and imagine the freedom of flight.

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What Inspired the Piece

Lesley created this installation while preparing for her solo show, “Filling The Void With Color” at Gallery 101 in Henderson. The exhibit explored themes of healing, overcoming challenges, and finding solace in nature and art.

“I wanted something interactive that would quite literally make someone feel the immediate security and freedom of having wings,” Lesley shares. “The inner feathers are deep blues for security and a hug-like embrace, while the outer feathers shimmer with light blue and metallic hints to suggest power and protection. The idea behind homemade wings is that we all make our own wings. We can all fly once we build them ourselves.”

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The Creative Process

This piece was born under intense time constraints. After returning from a trip to Honduras and caring for her mother during heart surgery, Lesley had just two weeks to complete the wings before her March 15 show.

“I stayed up through the night, taped my fingertips because I was bleeding from the wire. It wasn’t an option to not have my wings ready in time,” she recalls. “I filled the gallery with 55 pieces, but these wings were special.”

Why cMoe?

Lesley knew this piece needed a home where imagination thrives.

“I needed somewhere special—where young hopeful eyes could see and stand within wings. The young generation is full of artists and creative minds, but it’s often lost while growing up. This is my gift to all the young artists. I hope no one ever tells you that you’re not an artist and you can’t fly.”

Advice for Young Artists

Lesley’s message to aspiring creators is simple yet powerful:

“Always create for the sake of creating. Nothing is too silly. Not a single second spent painting, drawing, writing poetry, dancing, or singing is a waste of time. Play every single day, experiment and discover. Everything around you is art—and it’s in your soul to seek it.”

Take a Selfie and tag @cmoekids with your picture. Thanks for experience Lesley Nelson’s wings at cMoe and let your imagination soar.