Hi I’m Leah and I’m new to the Fargo-Moorhead area.
There is a lot that divides us in society today.
But one thing we all have in common is…we all have a mom.
Tell me about your mom.
All Kinds of Moms
Not all of us had a “perfect” mom, or even a “present” mom. Some of us had a “broken mom” or a “good enough mom.” But one thing is for sure, we all have a mother story, even if that mother was our “chosen mother.”
Our mothers get angry and tired…sure, but mothers also foster. Mothers foster community, family, decision-making, action, and foster a better future.
I’m inviting people to come tell me about your mom for a community project.
The Mom Project
I’m looking to showcase a colorful display of our collective mother story. Multiple mini posters on display at Gals Guide Minnesota Classroom, where we can begin to see our commonality. I’m hoping people will see the posters and say, “Oh my mom loved that too!” or “Wow, those two moms should be friends!” I do hope a few will see that when we shine a light on something that nourishes us or fosters us, we can be that light for others in our community.
Tell me about your mom through art. Create a mini poster from the template on this page. I want you to draw me something either your mother likes, or something that reminds you of her.
Examples: You could draw a lily flower if that was her favorite flower or a motorcycle if she was in a biker gang.
OR
Tell me about your mom through words. Just in case you are not as comfortable drawing, I have this option too. Write a poem or a quote your mother liked. You can even create a word collage of words that remind you of your mother.
Where to do this project
In person
FREE
October 21 (Carrie Fisher’s Birthday)
1pm-8pm
Gals Guide Minnesota Classroom
215 10th Street N, Moorhead, MN
I will be there with loads of art supplies to make your mini poster onsite. I will also have a copier in case you’d like me to hang it on the wall, but also have a copy for yourself.
Online – mail/email
FREE
If you are busy on October 21, out of town, or homebound, you can still participate in this wonderful community art project.
- Download the PDF printable of either the Art Mini Poster or the Word Mini Poster.
- Create your poster, make it as colorful as you like.
- Mail the poster (its okay to fold it) and send it to: Gals Guide, 215 10th Street North, Moorhead, MN 56560
- OR Email to info@galsguide.org If you can email me a PDF scan, that is the best scenario for me to print and place it on the wall at Gals Guide. If you take a picture of it and attach that picture, I might be able to get it printed, but it’s tricker.
- Deadline is November 1, 2026.
The Finished Project
The finished project will be on display at Gals Guide Minnesota Classroom.
There will be a free reception
November 8
12pm-4pm
Gals Guide Minnesota Classroom
215 10th Street N, Moorhead, MN
In keeping with the creative dates, November 8, 1984, was the day the first mom went into orbit. Anna Lee Fisher was a NASA Astronaut on the STA-51A Mission. She is 77 years old this year.
Artists Respond: Roots of Democracy is a project led by Springboard for the Arts, with funding provided in part by West Central Initiative
More About Moms
The comedian Moms Mabley would introduce herself, “Moms. M-O-M forward, M-O-M backward, upside down WOW!”
The mother and baby on our event graphic is Debbie Reynolds and baby Carrie Fisher.
Carrie Fisher is Leah’s chosen “Space Mom” and Catherine O’Hara is Leah’s chosen “TV Mom.” She explains in this Carrie Fisher podcast episode and in this Catherine O’Hara podcast episode.
About Leah
Dr. Leah Leach is the founder of Gals Guide, a women’s history academy. Leah utilizes women’s history as a tool for healing and boosting creativity. Her creative practice is at the intersection of storytelling, women’s history, mythology, and meditation. Leah is an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and podcaster with multiple (silly) honorary doctorates. In 2024, Leah was awarded Arts Leader of the Year from Noblesville Creates. In 2022, Gals Guide won Organization of the Year and received a special recognition from Congress for “outstanding and invaluable service to the community.” She has recently moved from Noblesville, Indiana, to Moorhead, Minnesota.
About Gals Guide
Gals Guide is a women’s history academy that appreciates the different ways people learn. That’s why we offer classes for people who crave meaning and equity for women, as well as time to pause and reflect on the bigger picture. We also have funny podcast episodes, women-centered gatherings, and a resource library.
Our mission is to share women’s achievements and lessons learned to strengthen women’s voices and make the world a more equitable place. Turning history into action and reflection, Gals Guide provides hybrid classes, courses, and workshops about women’s history to build a compassionate future.
The Gals Guide Minnesota Classroom is located at 215 10th Street N, Moorhead, MN.
Gals Guide 