Confession: I sit on the board that helps select exhibition themes for the Visual Art League of Lewisville.

When we planned the 2026 exhibitions last spring, I made it very clear I had no intention of entering an exhibition called Fairy Tales, Fables and Folklore.

“That’s not my style,” I insisted.

My friends looked at me quizzically. “But it is.”

I returned their look. “No, it isn’t.”

Just because the theme didn’t appeal to me personally didn’t mean it shouldn’t exist. It’s important to offer themes that speak to different artists and different audiences.

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Fast forward to a work-related project: create a summer-themed table centerpiece that incorporates our business. The challenge? Our business is pest control.

When I think of pest control, my mind immediately goes to cockroaches and rats.

Fortunately, I had enough sense to realize that no one but me would be eager to sit at a table decorated with pests.

Instead, I embraced the idea of a home protected by Home Run Pest & Termite Control. The centerpiece features an arch of sunflowers, machine-embroidered butterflies, a miniature mailbox with postcards tumbling out, and a welcome mat.

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a bit of mischief.

Hidden among the cheerful details is an ant waving a white flag of surrender.

The ant has even mailed a letter of resignation to the homeowners.

And because apparently I can’t leave well enough alone, the entire centerpiece spins.

Somewhere along the way, I realized my friends may have been right.

Perhaps the real folklore is that my friends know me better than I do.

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Artwork Title: The Ant Who Mailed His Formal Resignation
Description: Every fairy tale needs a villain. In this story, however, the villain has already surrendered. And he did it old school.

Location: Lewisville Grand Theater
Exhibition Dates: June 13 – July 11
Exhibition: Fairy Tales, Fables and Folklore
Curator: Nicole Howard