May Ling Kopecky Shares Her Journey of Art, Chronic Illness, and Connection

In a recent interview with Canvas Rebel, May Ling Kopecky ’22, MFA, shared her creative journey, her latest projects, and art’s powerful role in navigating personal and societal challenges.

Kopecky, known for her detailed, small-scale paintings and drawings, discussed her most meaningful project to date: her solo exhibition To-Do List at the Rochester Art Center. The exhibition, which explored the realities of living with chronic illness, was deeply personal for Kopecky, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at age fifteen. Through one-hundred original graphite and ink drawings, To-Do List highlighted the daily struggles of conserving energy and prioritizing tasks.

In addition to her personal work, Kopecky’s artistic journey has included accolades in national art exhibitions and features in prominent publications like New American Paintings and the Star Tribune. Kopecky continues to share her passion for art and advocacy through her role in the Learning Center and Accessibility Services at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and as a member of the Plymouth Arts Council, where she helps promote local artists.

“My goal is to use art as a tool to share ideas and make connections,” Kopecky said. “I aim to not only tell my story, but to also help others feel seen and heard, making their own invisible experiences visible.”

Learn More

• Meet May Ling Kopecky
  (canvasrebel.com—January 21, 2025)