Garden of Parallel Paths explores the experience of space and time by documenting the dissolution of familiar frameworks and structures that were built for the imagination, entertainment, play and tourism. The evolution of these historical places represents a manufactured environment that mirrors the cyclical patterns in nature and offers insight into out collective willingness to embrace change. 

In 2021, Lightner was awarded the Montana Arts Council Artist Innovation Award which sponsored this exhibition. 

Jodi Lightner is a Professor of Art at Montana State University Billings where she teaches courses that involve pencils, paint, and presses and overseas the 2D foundation courses. She received her MFA in painting from Wichita State University, Kansas, and continues her studio practice in Montana while adventuring in the northern Rocky Mountains. Lightner enjoys artist residencies focused on studio practice and has spent time at the International School of Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture in Montecastello diVibio, Italy, Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont, Ucross Fellowship, Wyoming, and as an emerging artist in residency at Penn State Altoona. She enjoys building an exhibition to suit a specific gallery space and has exhibited her work in Germany, China, Italy, New York, California, Oregon, Kansas, Montana, Michigan, Missouri, Georgia and South Carolina. In 2021, Lightner was awarded the Montana Arts Council, Artist Innovation Award.