Last year the 42 artists from Rancho Cordova Arts nonprofit and the MACC got involved in the project and submitted 58 pieces. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Mills Station Arts & Culture Center (MACC) is proud to welcome The Honeycomb Project, an extraordinary traveling exhibition conceived by Reno, Nevada artist and educator Candace Garlock. More than an art installation, The Honeycomb Project is a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the connections that unite us across communities.

Inspired by the remarkable architecture of a beehive, Garlock launched the project in 2024 with a simple yet profound idea: invite artists to create individual works on hexagonal panels that could be joined together to form one monumental work of art. What began as a small collaboration has grown into an impressive installation of nearly 900 hexagonal panels created by more than 500 artists representing 14 states, each contributing their own artistic voice to a collective expression of community and belonging. 

The Honeycomb Project is a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the connections that unite us across communities. Photo by Cheryl Gleason

At first glance, the honeycomb is an elegant geometric design, but it is also one of nature's greatest examples of cooperation. Every hexagonal cell plays an essential role in supporting the entire structure. Likewise, every artwork in this exhibition stands on its own while simultaneously becoming part of something much greater. No two panels are alike, yet together they create a powerful visual reminder that our differences are what strengthen our communities.

Last year the 42 artists from Rancho Cordova Arts nonprofit and the MACC got involved in the project and submitted 58 pieces. For Rancho Cordova, this message could not be better timed. Our city has become a vibrant destination where people from many cultures, backgrounds, and creative disciplines come together to build meaningful community connections. The MACC was founded on the belief that art creates connections—between artists and audiences, neighbors and visitors, generations and cultures. The Honeycomb Project beautifully embodies that mission, demonstrating how individual creativity can inspire collective understanding.

Artists learn from one another, encourage one another and help shape the cultural fabric of the communities in which they live. Photo by Rick Sloan

As visitors explore the installation, they will discover hundreds of unique interpretations contained within the familiar hexagonal shape. Some works tell personal stories while others celebrate nature, family, place, memory or imagination. Together, they form an ever-changing conversation that reflects the diversity of the artists who created them. Every panel invites viewers to pause, look closely, and appreciate both the individuality of each artist and the remarkable harmony of the installation. Through mediums such as watercolor, acrylic, oil, collage, fiber arts, mosaic, leather, encaustic, bead work, charcoal, photography, paper, airdry clay and ceramic, artists created their singular vision which allows the view to see how textures and mediums create the changing patterns and create an extraordinary visual appeal.

The exhibition also serves as a reminder that while artists typically create in solitude, creativity and inspiration happen when we are in community. Artists learn from one another, encourage one another and help shape the cultural fabric of the communities in which they live. Seventy percent of bees are solitary, while only thirty percent are social or semi-social. Artists and bees have a lot in common, both metaphorically and literally. Like bees working collectively to build and sustain the hive, artists contribute their talents, perspectives and generosity to enrich the places they call home.

Inspired by the remarkable architecture of a beehive, Garlock launched the project in 2024 with a simple yet profound idea: invite artists to create individual works on hexagonal panels that could be joined together to form one monumental work of art. Photo by Cheryl Gleason

The MACC is honored to bring The Honeycomb Project to Rancho Cordova and Greater Sac Metro Area as part of its ongoing commitment to presenting innovative exhibitions that engage, educate and inspire. The exhibition not only introduces local audiences to a remarkable regional collaboration but also reinforces Rancho Cordova's growing reputation as a destination where the arts thrive and community is celebrated.

As you walk through this remarkable installation, consider where your own story fits within the larger picture. Every person, like every hexagon in the honeycomb, has a unique role to play. Alone, each contribution is meaningful. Together, they create something extraordinary.

Welcome to The Honeycomb Project—a celebration of community, creativity and the beautiful connections that bind us all.

The MACC is honored to bring The Honeycomb Project to Rancho Cordova and Greater Sac Metro Area as part of its ongoing commitment to presenting innovative exhibitions that engage, educate and inspire. Photo by Cheryl Gleason