Lisa Kuehl of Ames is the creator of Heartland Scrapbooks. Born in Davenport, Iowa, Lisa has lived in central Iowa most of her life and is a lifelong artist. In 1982, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design from Iowa State University and has spent the past thirty years exploring the rapidly-growing art of visual archiving, commonly known as scrapbooking.

One of her motivations for scrapbooking was to find a meaningful way to preserve and showcase the many boxes of mementos that her mother had thoughtfully stored away while she was growing up…school papers, cards, letters, awards and photos. Lisa knew that one day she imagined that she would find a wonderful use for all of this nostalgia, and scrapbooking has been the perfect solution. Not only are Lisa’s precious belongings safe and secure, but she has been able to organize and downsize her multitude of items at the same time. And being able to share her projects with friends and family has been especially important, as they find great joy reminiscing about “the good old days” together.

Lisa’s scrapbooking adventure has been so rewarding that she decided to share what she has learned with others who are wanting to begin their own sentimental journey. Scrapbooking is an immensely popular hobby and there has never been a better time to explore this wonderfully introspective activity. Scrapbooking supplies are plentiful and with the popularity of home computing, digital organizing and photo editing software, there are more ways than ever to tell your story, your way.

Lisa K. Kuehl
Creative Consultant, Heartland Scrapbooks
[email protected]

Artist Statement

My photography focuses on my
fascination with the longevity of
things around us.

I like to capture the process of
decay and change that tells us a
story about the past:

Mountains shaped throughout time
and wildfires rapidly redesigning
the landscape.

Reminders of American industry
abandoned in the woods or
preserved in the door knob of an
1800s home.

Vegetation wilting at the end of a
season and the human
transformation of the landscape.

Beatrice Upah

[email protected]

Brenda Backman is a contemporary artist known for her evocative use of color and texture, creating immersive landscapes that explore the interplay between nature and emotion. Based in Story City, IA, she draws inspiration from her surroundings, transforming everyday scenes into vibrant, abstract interpretations.

Brenda’s artistic journey began at an early age, fueled by a passion for painting and a fascination with the natural world. She studied at Iowa State University, where she honed her skills in various mediums, including acrylics, watercolors, and mixed media. Over the years, her work has evolved to reflect her deepening connection to the environment and her desire to convey the feelings that nature evokes.

Exhibiting widely in galleries and at art fairs, Brenda’s work has garnered attention for its unique blend of realism and abstraction. Her pieces invite viewers to experience a dialogue with the landscapes she portrays, encouraging a personal reflection on the beauty and complexity of the world around them.

With a growing body of work and a commitment to artistic exploration, Brenda Backman continues to captivate audiences, inviting them to connect with the beauty of both her art and the natural world.

View Brenda’s artwork in the deli seating area through December.