For years, both Minks and Palin traveled separately to paint in the desert of New Mexico. Although only half an hour's drive separated their homes in Western Massachusetts, they had never traveled together and were unaware of one another's presence. Upon discovery of their mutual delight in the southwestern landscape, the two looked for an opportunity to collaborate. In September of 2008, Minks and Palin joined forces and traveled together to Canyon de Chelly in Arizona. There they camped and painted in a remote area of Navajo land, creating the body of work they are displaying this fall.

The collection includes paintings and pastels set in the sweeping Southwestern landscape of New Mexico and Arizona. It highlights the artists' shared experiences of Canyon de Chelly and the Taos area, mixed with paintings and pastels from earlier individual trips. Describing the work, Minks says, "It's about joy and communication. Through it I am drawn into nature, relationships, ideas and new experiences, into energy and electricity."